Whether we are young or old, rich or poor many of us are stuck with the idea that we must change the world. At one point I wanted to become an astronaut and go to space. It seemed like the most splendid thing I could accomplish. What greater adventure could there be than reaching those shining stars? Mind you, I am no longer working towards blasting off into the space. My focuses are slightly closer to home.
Even though my destination has changed, the idea of making an impact is still present. I often ask myself how I can be a positive influence in the lives of the people around me. Though I believe this to be a noble cause I couldn't help but think that there was a problem with the way I was going about it. I realized that in thinking this way I assume that I hold all of the power. Without realizing it, I am thinking of myself as the source of good things and of change. As though I could bring my friends happiness or make their lives better. The truth, I believe is a bit different.
"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from you; it is the gift of God; it is not from works, so no one may boast. For we are his handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for the good works that God has prepared in advance, that we should live in them." Ephesians 2:9-10
God is the source of all things. He is the one who influences and inspires all good in this world. We may not always realize when God is at work in our lives but be assured that He is there. Since God is the source of the change then we are the tools that he uses to create those changes. The prayer of St. Francis begins by saying,
"Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light, where there is sadness, joy." - Prayer of St. Francis
The prayer focuses on what must be done to bring good into the world. Yet it opens by asking God to make us an instrument of his peace. It emphasizes the fact that we can not enact love, pardon, faith, hope, light, joy, consolation or understanding without God's guidance. We must first open ourselves to God's will and acknowledge him as the source of these blessings. The words of wisdom, the acts of kindness, the expressions of love and the moments of joy are all gifts from God. Sometimes we are the person God uses to give these gifts to our brothers and sisters and that is a wonderful thought. God sends each person with each gift at the appropriate time.
Think of the the early disciples that Jesus sent out into the world. They are undoubtedly some of the most impactful people in the history of the world. They spread the love of Jesus and laid the foundation for the modern church. In all their journeys and experiences they remembered one very important thing. They knew that it was the Holy Spirit working through them and not their own actions that brought about the changes in people's hearts.
"So we are ambassadors for Christ, as if God were appealing through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God." 2 Corinthians 5:20
We must take the time to humble ourselves and follow their example. Let us ask God how he wants us to help those around us. Let us pray to God for the peace and understanding to allow him to work through us. Allow the Holy Spirit to guide you and be filled with the love of God, for it has the power to change the entire world.
Be the Light
No comments:
Post a Comment