8. How Do I Make a Difference?
We all long to make an impact in our world. As our culture continually presents a message of “me-first,†we need to remember that Jesus said it’s more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35). The Bible also says that God has already prepared in advance things for us to do (Ephesians 2:10). God not only has provided salvation for us in Jesus, but has prepared good things for us to do to impact this world and bring him glory. So how do we make a difference? Use this guide below to find your PLACE in living on-mission with God.
PASSION (Ephesians 2:10)
What am I passionate about? Or what burdens me in the community?
Example: I’m passionate about sports. Maybe the Lord would lead me to volunteer as a basketball coach on a local recreational team. I’m burdened about the education system. Maybe the Lord would lead me to volunteer to read with children at a local elementary school.
LIFE EXPERIENCES (Exodus 4:1-5, Matthew 4:18-22)
What are my life experiences that can be used to help others? These can be positive or negative experiences. But instead of ignoring or concealing them, how can I use my life experiences to minister to someone in a similar situation?
Consider some positive experiences in your background: Example: A local church opened up their gym for basketball where I learned discipline and how to work as a team.
Consider some negative experiences in your background: Example: My spouse or parent died of a slow illness and had to live in the nursing home for the last year of their life. Maybe I should see about being an encouragement to others in a similar situation.
ABILITY (Romans 12:4-10)
What abilities (skills, talents, resources) do I have that could be used to meet the needs of others?
Consider the skills you have (could be work related or personal interest): Example: I use computers a lot at work. Maybe the Lord would use me to help teach computer skills to teenagers to help them be in a better position to find a job.
Consider the talents you have: Example: I love to cook. Maybe I could use my ability to help teach single mothers how to cook and provide meals for their family on a budget.
Consider the resources you have (business owner; books; swimming pool; etc.) Example: I have a lot of children’s books. Maybe I could put up a neighborhood book box in my yard to help form new relationships in my neighborhood and to encourage children to read.
CALLING and GIFTING (Ephesians 4:11-14)
What calling or spiritual giftings do I have? Example: People are always telling me thank-you for encouraging or praying for them. Maybe the Lord is calling me deeper into the ministry of prayer and encouragement and wants me to focus on young families or widows in our community.
ENGAGEMENT (Luke 19:1-10)
Where do I spend my time engaging with people and how can I impact them with the gospel? Example: I go to the gym 3 times a week I’ve noticed the same people there. Maybe I should get to know someone better I see regularly at the gym in order to point them toward Christ.
Who do I know that is engaging others with the love of Jesus that I can join?
Prayerfully consider your PLACE on-mission with God. As you work through this guide, step out in faith and begin to serve others in order to point them toward Christ. As you do you will experience the joy of the Lord using you in a mighty way to advance his kingdom.
PASSION (Ephesians 2:10)
What am I passionate about? Or what burdens me in the community?
Example: I’m passionate about sports. Maybe the Lord would lead me to volunteer as a basketball coach on a local recreational team. I’m burdened about the education system. Maybe the Lord would lead me to volunteer to read with children at a local elementary school.
LIFE EXPERIENCES (Exodus 4:1-5, Matthew 4:18-22)
What are my life experiences that can be used to help others? These can be positive or negative experiences. But instead of ignoring or concealing them, how can I use my life experiences to minister to someone in a similar situation?
Consider some positive experiences in your background: Example: A local church opened up their gym for basketball where I learned discipline and how to work as a team.
Consider some negative experiences in your background: Example: My spouse or parent died of a slow illness and had to live in the nursing home for the last year of their life. Maybe I should see about being an encouragement to others in a similar situation.
ABILITY (Romans 12:4-10)
What abilities (skills, talents, resources) do I have that could be used to meet the needs of others?
Consider the skills you have (could be work related or personal interest): Example: I use computers a lot at work. Maybe the Lord would use me to help teach computer skills to teenagers to help them be in a better position to find a job.
Consider the talents you have: Example: I love to cook. Maybe I could use my ability to help teach single mothers how to cook and provide meals for their family on a budget.
Consider the resources you have (business owner; books; swimming pool; etc.) Example: I have a lot of children’s books. Maybe I could put up a neighborhood book box in my yard to help form new relationships in my neighborhood and to encourage children to read.
CALLING and GIFTING (Ephesians 4:11-14)
What calling or spiritual giftings do I have? Example: People are always telling me thank-you for encouraging or praying for them. Maybe the Lord is calling me deeper into the ministry of prayer and encouragement and wants me to focus on young families or widows in our community.
ENGAGEMENT (Luke 19:1-10)
Where do I spend my time engaging with people and how can I impact them with the gospel? Example: I go to the gym 3 times a week I’ve noticed the same people there. Maybe I should get to know someone better I see regularly at the gym in order to point them toward Christ.
Who do I know that is engaging others with the love of Jesus that I can join?
Prayerfully consider your PLACE on-mission with God. As you work through this guide, step out in faith and begin to serve others in order to point them toward Christ. As you do you will experience the joy of the Lord using you in a mighty way to advance his kingdom.