How to Change the World
by Denise Morris on 10/24/2008 at 1:05 PM
Today I published a TrueU article about how we can all change the world. It may be simpler than you thought.
I've realized that doing faith, that really changing the world for God's glory, is much more difficult than talking about it. Jesus wants us to go and make disciples, to bring about His kingdom, to share His truth. But that's hard:
A lot of times I write stuff that I think is beautiful and inspiring. I hijack an abstract idea like "faith in action" and then talk a lot about how Jesus wanted us to do things. I use bouncy verbs like shout and jump and reach. I get myself very hyped up about this idea of faith being something that we do. I write about it and talk about it and am very convinced that Jesus wants me to be a mover, a doer, a helper.
Then I go take a nap.
The nap usually comes in because acting out faith requires stepping out of my comfort zone. Or I shrug off responsibility because I hear about poverty in the world or the ideas that compete against the Christan worldview, and it seems almost impossible to overcome those things. But this is where I need to recognize that each of us has been called to work within the body in different ways. Your way of changing the world for Christ will probably look different than mine.
One of the ways I can share God's truth is through the articles I write. But I think He's called me to sharing truth and love in smaller ways as well:
A lot of the time, He probably wants me to wash my roommate's dishes or to be patient with my brother. I think He wants me to learn His Word and to get to know Him so well that He is my favorite thing to talk about when I'm around others. He wants me to feel compassion for the homeless people downtown, and I think Jesus wants me to actually apply the words I write to my own life.
So, whether it's implementing policy or cleaning up after your roommates, what does changing the world for God's glory look like for you?
1. Texas Craig said the following at 3:19 PM on Oct 24:
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Great post, because it hits the issue we in the body of Christ need to be thinking about. We are called to be salt and light in the world, but too often we have lost our saltiness.
For a long time as a Christian, there was still an unsettledness in my life, because I had this uneasy feeling that my life did not look like it probably should as a follower of Jesus -- namely, I was not impacting my world the way I would expect as a follower of Christ. I had my spiritual highs and lows, but there was a lack of peace and consistency.
But, a few years ago, I went to China for the first time on a mission trip. God used that experience to radically transform me. Then, after getting back and reading some books (like the Barbarian Way by Erwin McManus, The Irresistable Revolution by Shane Claiborne, and a number of Donald Miller books), it is like God opened up my eyes and weaved together my faith into my life in the way I always kind of felt was needed. Ironically, now I put far less pressure on myself to "witness" to people, but actually end up sharing the gospel more than ever, because it just "oozes out of my pores" so to speak. It also comes from a genuine love and compassion for people, rather than a desire to just see them saved. Interestingly enough, as I have started really caring about people, rather than just the salvation of their souls, I have seen far more people impacted and/or come to Christ that I have witnessed to. Of course it is not as a result of my works, but is like God is blessing me just from my desire to love people.
One thing that has been significant in the process has been my decision to follow a"4-second" rule. Namely, when I have a thought to do something (e.g., call a friend, stop and talk to a homeless person, go hug my wife even though we are in an argument and I am hacked off at her), I pledge to do it immediately (i.e, within 4 seconds) or else I know that I will end up rationalizing the thought away and not doing it. More times than not, I have seen that my "random thoughts" were actually the Holy Spirit speaking to me because He knew exactly what the other person needed at that moment. It has been really cool the way I have come to a deeper relationship with God simply by obeying those promptings. I would encourage everyone to do that (provided the "thought" you have does not conflict with scripture)!
Peace and grace!
2. Colin said the following at 5:13 PM on Oct 24:
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Texas Craig: That "4-second rule" sounds great! I'm gonna try and do that. Thanks!
3. Daniel Radke said the following at 5:48 PM on Oct 24:
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Very convicting post! Though situations seem daunting and practically impossible, we are servants of the King who did the otherwise impossible - rise from the grave! He has defeated death and sin for those who believe once and for all. Surely in His sovereign will and timing He can overcome all things surrounding our lives too!
4. Rachael said the following at 10:17 PM on Oct 24:
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You know, I think I was just talking to my boyfriend today or something about how the concepts vs. action issue is an issue for me...
It so is! I want to experience the concepts, so why don't I budge. Maybe laziness/severe procrastination, selfishness, desire to do other stuff/sin above what's good, a lack of faith,...probably different reasons for different things.
Sure my conscience can get pierced about tiny things, but, Jesus told the teachers of the law and Pharisees that they "strain out a gnat and swallow a camel." (Matt 23:24).
It feels kind of *sigh......* to know that there are so many ways in which I should improve or things I should get to.
I feel like in my head I know what should be done. I should be transformed from the inside out. But in practice I feel I'm not allowing God's Word to be at a constant heart-brimming level...
I wonder if subconsciously I think things are harder than they are. Like I think that if I read the Bible and pray regularly, that God would use that to change my heart and what comes out of it.
But I wonder if in practice I lack faith that that will work, am out of the habit, or/and am lazy/selfish/burdened, and listen to my weakness and selfish desires more than the Biblical concepts, like, the importance of being "transformed by the renewing of your mind" (Romans 12:2).
How much better it would be if I lived the faith regularly and denied myself (even if mixed with selfishness) and experienced life in the power of Christ more often. Better for me, those around me, and possibly people in the future who may be able to be influenced by how God works.
5. Rachael said the following at 10:21 PM on Oct 24:
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Wow, Texas, thanks for sharing the 4-second rule. Might not be brave enough to make promises to myself, and I wouldn't want feelings of unreasonable guilt to consume me as it already happens with petty things, but, it would probably be of benefit if the thought of '4 second rule' sometimes came to mind. How cool that you act quick!
6. ed said the following at 10:44 PM on Oct 24:
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Maybe you change the world just by being alive. Everything you do changes something. Why try to make it so hyper religious? Be kind to others, appreciate the gift of life and let others help you learn about life from them. Enjoy (learn from)your mistakes too. You will have a lot of them.
You don't need to be even "Christian" to do that. Believers know we are required when called upon, to go the final distance, even to death for others. But, really, this can be a day to day thing in small things for most of us all of our lives. And usually is.
I dare you to notice the kindness of those who are not "Christian". It is there, if you look. You may be really surprised at what you will find. Everyone wants to change the world...
7. Frank Shiffer said the following at 8:49 AM on Oct 25:
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I am not addressing the individual application of changing one's self to be lights in the world, or to address personal sin. But the name "how to change the world" suggesting it is our goal, is not scriptural nor is it possible or the Bible isn't from the One true God. Our goal is to reconcile a lost world to our Savior Jesus. The book of Revelation, and indeed supporting sections of the NT and Daniel, etc. all teach that at the end of the world much of what we see going on in the US (the great Satan as the Muslims like to refer to us as) is foremost in leading the world to violence, sexual perversion, and moral decline. Again, this is clearly prophesized as the world's future. To believe that we are going to change the world is to not understand our purpose and we do not need to try to change the world. But I agree we do need to change ourselves. The world is lost headed for destruction, please know that cannot be changed, period; or the Bible is not the true word of God. To expend enormous amounts of energy in attempts to accomplish this is not wise nor are we called to do this. I think Christians, particularly the religious right would have us legislate morality, and too many souls will be lost if we put our energies into this effort versus ministering to a lost world. I believe the moral majority has lost its way and are becoming more like Pharisees than being lights in the world. Lights show the way, legalism mandates it. Since no one is forced to accept Christ as Savior, let's not mandate they live like Christians, when we can't live up to the teachings ourselves. That is why it is called Grace, and not Laws. The writer is correct, change ourselves, but the purpose is to reconcile the world, not change it. And no, it will not change it, nothing will do that or the Bible is not inspired from the God of the Jews.
8. Matthew said the following at 2:05 PM on Oct 25:
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I am really, really good at talking and thinking about faith. But I sure am lousy at living it out. This post was a good reminder to do just that.
For me, changing the world looks like complaining less and thinking more about my words when I speak. It looks like getting to know my neighbors and other people in my church better (I'm new and shy, and I tend not to talk to people I don't know as well.) It looks like less time surfing the internet and more time in prayer or hanging out with people. It looks like more generosity, more faith, and more service, and more love.
9. Cliff said the following at 8:54 PM on Oct 25:
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Denise,
Lately, I've been convicting that I spend more time talking, blogging about what a Christian to do as oppose to go out and do.
I mean at the end of the day. When I go to heaven, do Christ cares all the books I read about Him or how I should be doing this or that...or would He care about the time I took to help those who are in need and give glory to Him?
I would assume the latter....I am challenging myself to live a life of faith..not just talk about it.
It's easy to talk....but action is really where the rubber meets the road.
10. Leah said the following at 11:16 PM on Oct 25:
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ed - nobody changes the world just by being alive. And it's got nothing to do with "religion". God calls us to do something, we should obey. Mere obedience and love, not "religion".
Of course non-Christians are kind. Who said they weren't? The post simply says we should do it more, coz so often we talk about what should be done and then don't do it.
(You'll also notice Christians talk about a different sort of kindness than what non-Christians do; a non-Christian will be kind to his friends. Christians are called to be kind to the neighbour who constantly has parties til 3 in the morning, to the lecturer or boss who purposely picks on you, to the politician who enacts a bill we oppose.)
11. Adam Sloope said the following at 10:29 AM on Oct 27:
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There is this new movement of young, passionate people who want to see the church as an active body living, moving, and breathing as opposed to our traditional dead, pretty buildings full of comfortable people who have a book memorized or know how to respond to all the questions with the right answers. We want change, we want a movement, we want a real Jesus style of living to impact our communities. There is a movement of church planters that I am encouraged by. I helped start a church in Indianapolis that God is using to do big things, change lives, and be "faith in action" I have a good friend who started a church in the same city I'm in. So i'm encouraged by this post, it shows that not only passionate, radical young people are thinking about these things but it is beginning to be the topic of discussion in a lot of Christian Forums.
12. ed said the following at 10:35 PM on Oct 27:
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No Leah, everyone changes the world just by being alive. For better or worse. And each person is different and unique, and therefore, valuable, simply for who they are. What you do adds to what you are, maybe. But who can really say for sure?
I think there are many non Christians who commit acts of altruism, and many Christians who only do good deeds for a reward from God. Which do you think is more self-less? ( Both opposites are also true, of course )
How do explain a Ghandi, or a gentle and loving Muslim, or an athiest that selflessly helps the homeless?
Many important changes come from those outside the Christian faith in Science and Medicine.
Why do you think Jesus told his followers not to let their left hand know what their right hand does?
13. ed said the following at 7:59 AM on Oct 28:
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Leah, just being alive does change the world. And, I guess, it depends on your perspective what language you use to describe obedience and love.
The examples you use are admirable, but not necessarily "Christian". There are altruistic athiests, kind and gentle Muslims, agnostic scientists, etc, who impact our world with loving changes that don't directly benefit themselves. Wouldn't you agree?
I am not so sure that their kindness is so different from what Christ taught. These might be bridges of agreement between Christian and non Christian ?
14. ed said the following at 7:47 AM on Oct 29:
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d'oh,
sorry! technical gaffe, embarrassing.