Have you ever noticed that people gravitate to success? They love being involved with anything that’s successful. Involvement is among the keys to any successful venture, big or small. When there is enormous involvement, great things unusually happen. There can’t be too much involvement. It means taking part, participate, commit.
Sacrifices play a huge part, too. Some ways to be involved: give time, use talents, share wisdom, assist in activities/programs, and support financially. Involvement brings challenges, which calls for determination and faithfulness no matter what lies ahead. The challenges faced are not for the faint of heart or cowards.
However, there are too many spectators and not enough participants. Many gifted persons have opted for the sidelines and even bleachers because of failures, disappointments, hurts and scars. If you have lived very long, you’ve been discouraged and fearful. It’s time to get off your “I shall not be moved,” and get involved in the fight.
Your involvement could mean life and death for someone. Don’t treat it lightly. It’s a new year! How about Christians making a difference in peoples’ lives? One way is realizing what matters most. Time spent on what matters most is never wasted time: family, faith, friends, passions, health, security, career, relationships (that grow to last), happiness, love, be a pillar of strength/encouragement, and helping others.
“We must remember that one determined person can make a significant difference, and that a small group of determined people can change the course of history,” said Sonia Johnson. John Wesley stated it best, “Do all the good you can, in all the ways you can, to all the souls you can, in every place you can, at all the times you can, with all the zeal you can, as long as ever you can!”
The first century Church was motivated to witness, wanting the world to know Jesus Christ as savior. Jesus gives the key in Acts 1:8, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” It’s our choice to take action or not. God’s Word says believers’ work is never in vain. “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 15:58)
The Holy Bible encourages in Proverbs 11:30, “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he that winneth souls is wise.”
Life on earth is short compared to eternity. Time is of the essence. Let’s make our lives count for Christ.
(Rev. Wilson is an author, a pastor, writer, teacher, speaker and sports official. His column is “Words From Woody.” Rev. Wilson has been senior pastor at God’s Community Outreach in Chillicothe, Ohio, for over 18 years. He can be contacted by email – [email protected].)
