Making a Difference in the World: Empowering Christians to Be Agents of Positive Change
In today’s world, people will do anything to get a little viral attention on social media. We see stunts, antics, and behavior that can be downright dangerous—all in the pursuit of a few fleeting likes, shares, or retweets. But what drives people to risk their lives for viral fame? That kind of attention may be sensational, but it isn’t the kind of influence that changes the world.
Take, for example, the story of a naval air force crewman, Petty Officer Brandon Dilbert (a pseudonym), who lost his life in a tragic accident in 2005 while serving his country during the War in Iraq. His death wasn’t the result of enemy fire or a heroic act on the battlefield but something far more senseless: a viral stunt. Dilbert had attempted a stunt called “Supermanning,” in which soldiers strapped themselves into the back of a helicopter and dangled out the rear cargo ramp, mimicking Superman with their arms outstretched as they flew through the air. It was all for the sake of taking a cool picture.
Tragically, Dilbert’s harness failed, and he fell to his death in the Persian Gulf. His life was cut short for a moment of viral fame that never came. It’s a sobering reminder that not all attention is worth seeking, and not all influence is created equal.
The influence that really matters—the kind that changes the world—goes beyond viral videos and fleeting moments of fame. It’s the kind of influence that transforms lives, communities, and even nations. And for Christians, this kind of influence isn’t just a possibility; it’s a calling.
The Call to Be World Changers
Christians are called to be agents of change in the world. Jesus didn’t give us the Great Commission in Matthew 28 just as a suggestion—He gave it as a command to transform the world. Here are His words:
Matthew 28:18-20 (NLT):
“Jesus came and told his disciples, ‘I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’”
But listen to the verse right before the Great Commission:
Matthew 28:17 (NLT):
When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted!
Just one verse earlier, Matthew tells us that some of those very disciples—standing in the presence of the resurrected Jesus—doubted. Yes, the same men we consider faith heroes had doubts. Yet those were the very men Jesus commissioned to change the world.
The incredible impact of the gospel has changed this world. And Jesus did it through His disciples, who doubted. And Jesus is still using weak and frail people to change the world. So, how can Christians today make a real and lasting impact?
From Concern to Influence: Shifting Focus
Stephen Covey, the author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, talks about two circles in our lives: the circle of concern and the circle of influence. The circle of concern is broad and encompasses everything we worry about but can’t necessarily change. The circle of influence is smaller and represents the areas where we have the power to make a difference.
Covey proposes that effective people do not waste their energy in the broad circle of concern but focus on the smaller circle of influence. I think Jesus uses a similar principle to bring about change. The world is full of things we’d like to change, but each of us has a specific sphere where we can make a real impact. The adage is true: Think globally but act locally.
You may not be able to change the world for everyone today, but you can change the world for one person. And that’s where Christ’s influence through your life begins.
Key #1: Know Your Gifts
Knowing your gifts is the first step to being an effective world changer. God uniquely equips every believer with spiritual gifts, which are meant to be used for the benefit of others and the glory of God.
Romans 12:6-8 (NLT):
“In His grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.”
Recognizing your gifts isn’t always easy, but here are three keys to help you discover them:
- What Do You Enjoy?
Your gifts will usually align with something you love doing—something that energizes you, not something that drains you. Pay attention to the things you feel called to, especially those you could do endlessly without tiring.
- What Do Others Ask You to Do?
Often, other people see your gifts before you do. Ask yourself: What do people consistently ask me to help them with? What do they rely on me for? This is a good indicator of where your gifts lie.
- What Does Leadership Confirm?
Your church or community leaders will also confirm your spiritual gifts. If your pastors or elders recognize and affirm your gifts, that’s a strong sign that you’re operating in your calling. However, if those in leadership caution you about a gift you believe you have, it’s worth prayerfully reconsidering.
God gives us gifts for our own benefit and to build up His kingdom. When we know and use our gifts, we become effective agents of change within our circle of influence.
Key #2: Recognize Opportunities
The second key to being a world changer is recognizing the opportunities God places in your life. These opportunities may not always be grand, life-altering moments. Often, they are small, daily opportunities to serve, love, and make a difference in someone else's life.
The beloved children’s author Dr. Seuss once wrote a book called Oh, the Places You’ll Go!, in which he wrote, “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose… Oh, the places you’ll go! Except when you don’t. Because, sometimes, you won’t.”
We won’t always step into the opportunities God places before us, sometimes out of fear or uncertainty. But very seldom does God interrupt someone's life only to ask them to remain comfortable, safe, and in familiar territory. He calls us to the adventure of faith. A Christian who wants to be a world changer must learn to recognize and say “yes” to those opportunities, even when they feel uncomfortable or unfamiliar.
It’s important to remember that God doesn’t just call the qualified—He qualifies the called. You don’t have to wait until you feel completely equipped before stepping into what God asks you to do. Trust that God will guide you, shape you, and equip you as you move forward in obedience.
The Power of Love Over Self-Advancement
Many of the world’s greatest opportunities come when we stop focusing on self-advancement and start focusing on loving others. We tend to complicate things, thinking that world-changing actions must be grand gestures. However, the most significant opportunities are often found in small acts of love, kindness, and service.
In his book All the Places to Go: How Will You Know?, John Ortberg tells the story of how the Jesuit order adopted the motto “magis,” the Latin word for “more.” The idea was to live “with one foot raised,” always ready to seize opportunities to serve God and others. By 1800, Jesuit-led schools had educated one-fifth of Europe, all because a group of men were dedicated to doing more for the kingdom of God.
We, too, are called to live with “one foot raised,” always prepared to act when God opens a door. When we say “yes” to God’s opportunities, we can impact the world.
Conclusion: What Will You Do with the Great Commission?
Being a world changer doesn’t require viral fame or grandiose actions. It requires faithfulness to God’s call, a willingness to use your gifts, and the courage to say “yes” to the opportunities God places in your path.
Jesus gave His disciples the Great Commission not because they were perfect but because He had equipped them for the task. The same is true for us today. We may have doubts, and we may not feel qualified, but God has given us everything we need to make a difference in the world.
The question is: Will you step into your calling? Will you use your gifts? Will you recognize the opportunities before you? Because the truth is, God has called you to be a world changer.
