What difference does Jesus make in a person's life? Good question! One reason that many give for not being interested in the church is something along the lines of "it does not make any difference." In other words, they look at those inside the church and determine that they are no better than anyone else. The idea is that Christians are supposed to follow the rules and quite frankly often times they do not.
That is a valid point. Of course, part of the deal is that Jesus welcomes us into His family (the church) exactly as we are...with all of our imperfections. It's not like we have to clean ourselves up first and then become His followers. Therefore it is true that the church is full of imperfect sinners.
But on the other hand, that is not (or at least should not be) the end of story. God offers grace and mercy and we come to Him in the middle of our filthiness but then after He cleans us up, we should make an attempt to stay as clean as possible.
What should that look like?
In Romans 12:9-21, we find what looks at first like a list of rules that Disciples of Jesus are expected to follow. And frankly it is kind of daunting as it includes the following:
-Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them.
-Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good.
-Love each other with genuine affection
-take delight in honoring each other.
-Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.
-Rejoice in our confident hope.
-Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.
-When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them.
-Always be eager to practice hospitality.
-Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them.
-Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.
-Live in harmony with each other. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.
-Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people.
-don’t think you know it all!
-Never pay back evil with more evil.
-Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable.
-never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God.
-Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.
God does not expect much does He? It’s like the time the children asked their mom what she wanted for Mother’s Day. She said, “Oh you don’t have to but me anything…all I want is for you to get along without fighting for the day…and do all your chores without complaining….and remember to be nice and cheerful around me…that’s all I asking for.” They replied… “please Mom, let us but you something!”
We might feel that way after looking at that list…please God…can we buy You something instead? The thing is though that these are the things that God does. So think of it this way...it is not a list of rules we must follow in order to keep God happy with us. Instead it is our privilege to live in this manner as God's representatives or ambassadors on earth.
Still we can not do that on our own. Just as we trust Him for our salvation, we must also rely on Him to give us the ability to live as He wishes. (we move forward not by trying harder but by giving up control and allowing God to live through us)
Each of is moving forward and it is a process that takes a lifetime but it is worth it.
And in the end, He Does make a difference!
