It’s easy to fall into a couple of traps as we endeavor to follow Jesus. One is we can get caught up in the celebrity status of certain religious leaders and determine that once we reach their standing we will do great things for God. On the other end of the spectrum is the belief that we aren’t talented enough o ever be able to make a difference in the world, so we end up leading a quiet life keeping to ourselves. Both suppose that there are different classifications of Christians, some bound for fame and glory, others doomed to obscurity and insignificance. God created each of us for a unique purpose in order that we would accomplish the work He designed us to do (Ephesians 2:10).
Some will indeed gain a platform where everything they do is magnified and seen by the world. With this comes a great responsibility to remain humble. The pitfall here is pride, as it is so easy to begin to believe one’s own hype. As the accolades and money pour in, it can be a monumental task to guard your principles and values while remembering the reason you achieved such status. Some will be able to handle the attention; some will wither under the pressure. If you should find yourself gaining a little notoriety, remember the One who has provided this opportunity to you. Stay focused on your purpose in His mission.
Others will never have an outward appearance of success. They may go through life wistfully looking at those with the fame and imagining what good they could do for God given those same opportunities. If you think like this, it will be easy to overlook the work that needs to be done in your immediate circles. Your gifting is no less than those in the bright lights. Remember, God has given specific work to each of us to do; if we drop the ball, no one may immediately notice but the impact could affect generations. Edward Kimble was just an ordinary, unknown man when he decided to share Christ with a young shoe salesman name Dwight Moody. Moody went on to lead tens of thousands to Christ. What if Kimble had decided he didn’t have the skills to impact the world?
The truth is you or I may never see ourselves as being able to change the world. We may not ever be on a stage in front of thousands of eager listeners. We might not write the books or sing the songs or paint the pictures that touch a million lives. But that’s okay. There is something that each of us can do. We can be a world changer for someone. We might not touch everyone, but we can reach out to one. Just as the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) literally saved the life of the man he found beaten by the side of the road, we too can invest in the life of someone in need. Some may touch many, but all can touch one. Find someone in whom to invest your life. Take someone in need under your wing. Serve them as you would serve Jesus. Change their destiny and you just may change the world.