Daily we’re bombarded with many things not as they should be. And naturally we want to make the world a better place. But often we feel overwhelmed and impotent to personally make a difference. Change is possible and likely most effective by serving others one at a time.
From social issues and public policy to cultural discourses and spiritual concerns, troubles and heartaches permeate every aspect of our life.
And, to be sure, many of these weighty issues are layered and complex. In fact, they remain ongoing problems because they don’t have simple cookie-cutter answers to them.
Unfortunately, this complexity often tempts us to not even try to make a difference.
What difference could I possibly make if things are this messed up?
We know something should be done. But we don’t feel like we have what it takes. And so we’re left merely shaking our heads on the sidelines.
Perspective is needed.
It’s not always up to us to address every issue in the daunting tasks before us. For example, in rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem, the people focused on the portion of the wall right in front of their own house.
While there was a lot to do collectively, individually they were simply responsible for what was right in front of them.
And this wisdom holds true for us today as well.
Our portion of the wall is those right in front of us – the neighbors we interact with in our day-to-day lives.
And as we focus on this small portion given to us, we trust our collective efforts will also change the world.
We don’t have to do it all. But we can do something. And our small efforts together can make a huge difference.
Don’t get lost in trying to do it all. Focus on the portion God has given you and change the world by serving others one at a time.
Photo by Foad Roshan on Unsplash
