Significance?

Webster's defines significance as "important, having consequence". I have been praying hard for wisdom and direction in my life for several weeks now. After Pine Cove, a big chunk of the stuff I used to think was important had lost its significance to me. The opinions I once held on many topics mellowed considerably as well. Not too long ago, I was a very outspoken and opinionated person. There wasn't much in life I hadn't have a stance on or a viewpoint that I thought needed to be expressed. However, in recent weeks (mostly since my return from Pine Cove) there has been a monumental shift in perspective. I think for the first time I am actually beginning to see life as Christ would have me see it. When you begin to view everything through the lens of "how does this action glorify Jesus Christ?" and "how will people perceive this action with regard to my position as a follower of Jesus Christ?" everything begins to come into great clarity. Here's an example:

I used to think that democrats / liberals were "bad" people and I had a personal dislike for them. I enjoyed heated arguments about foreign policy, social programs, education reform, etc...and I took so much of it personally. Now that I have a new perspective, I just don't see that any of that is worth getting my feathers all ruffled. I doubt very seriously that Jesus would have engaged in heated debate over the trifle politics of His day. He knew that there were much more important things to discuss and focus on. That's not to say that politics, policy, reform, etc. don't have their place. I just don't think that losing even a fraction of our witness over it is worth it. We are called to show Christ's love to the world. Showing that love to people who passionately disagree with you is a great place to start. Politics just aren't eternally significant!

I used to find homosexuals disgusting. I didn't even want to be around them. That was a sin and I have long since repented from it. I realize now that the only way we are ever going to reach homosexuals, pro-abortion people, and anyone else that I used to find distasteful is to show them the love of Christ. I'm talking about genuine, unconditional love. The kind that rocks people's world and changes their heart. Only when they have tasted God's mercy and forgiveness through us, His people, will they have any reason to accept Him into their lives. Homosexuality and abortion are not eternally significant!

Here's the hard part...insignificance is not confined to the world of sin and corruption. Sports, fashion, celebrity, technology, medicine...none of it is significant in and of itself. Using these things to reach and invest in people's lives should be their only purpose for us. We are called as believers to bless, provide, disciple, mentor, instruct, love, honor, protect, etc. those around us. Especially those who haven't tasted the satisfaction that comes from knowing Jesus Christ in a deep and personal way. Our brothers and sisters in Christ are in dire need of blessing and encouragement as well.

One of the deepest longings of my soul is to truly bless those around me. It is the biggest struggle I have ever undertaken, because Satan and my humanity are completely opposed to the idea. Giving of yourself for someone else's benefit is an unnatural concept. But, if you want significance in this life...if you want to realize your true purpose and the real reason you are called to be on this Earth in the first place? That's a great place to start.

Just remember, every second of every day is an opportunity to have lasting impact on someone's life. Even something as simple as an encouraging message on facebook could drastically change the outlook of someone's day. You have incredible power in the lives of the people around you. Will you take advantage of that power or let it go to waste? Until next time...be good.