Living like Jesus and making a valuable difference in our society is not something we can do alone.
We need community. We need new information. We need encouragement.
These are the elements that shape our character—the vital instrument in making a difference.
It was Jesus who taught us that it’s not what we do that makes a difference, but who we become. So if this is true, then we need moments to stop doing, and instead take in something life-giving to feed our soul and mold our character.
In a culture of excess noise and distraction, it can be difficult to find this character shaping content. That’s why I started this weekend round up of posts. I hope they encourage you to live like Jesus and make a selfless difference in society.
1. I’m Not a Worthless Sinner | Tom Fuerst
I’ve always struggled with this. Oftentimes, I fall into trap of dishonoring God’s creation in order to glorify God. In other words, I call myself worthless and unlovable to make God seem better. But maybe, there’s a better way at going about this—one that author, Tom Fuerst, discusses in this article.
2. The Moral Bucket List | The New York Times by David Brooks
Though I don’t believe a person can simply change him or herself to become a “better” person, I find encouragement from what author, David Brooks, found on his quest for morality. The meat of life, Brooks discovered, is not in what we do, but in the selfless character we develop.
3. The Church Needs to Stop Pandering to Trends | RELEVANT Magazine by Eddie Kaufholz
In this interview with Rachel Held Evans, Rachel and Eddie discuss what really brings Millennials to church. Instead of following trends and issues of style, Rachel argues Millennials care more about substance and true community.
4. Quit Burying Your Emptiness in Noise and Activity | Jayson Bradley
Many of us can’t stand to be silent in our culture. But like author, Jayson Bradley, says, silence is what brings everything we’ve buried up to the surface. And that’s why we find Jesus intentionally practicing silence. You can’t make a difference without first learning to be still.
Make a difference in your responsibilities this week, and live like Jesus.
If you’ve read anything that’s encouraged you this week, post it in the comments below!
If you liked this post, check out:
Last Week’s Weekend Reads
Want Millennials to Stay in Church? Show Them This.
9 Ways Jesus Would Run a Business the Right Way