When you think about making a difference in the world, don’t forget that everything should lead to God. There are three areas I want you to focus on, keeping in mind that you work for God! “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10).
The first place you can make an impact is “your world.” You may be surrounded by family and friends who could use your influence. “Go home to your family and friends. Tell them how much he has had mercy on you” (Mark 5:19). I can’t imagine a single day going by where you couldn’t be an influence in this circle, whether it’s through acts of service or words of encouragement. Never turn away from someone you’ve been called to help (Proverbs 3:27-28).
You also need to make an impact beyond your world. You can share the love of Christ with anyone, regardless of how much you feel you relate to them. “Whatever a person is like, I try to find common ground with him so that he will let me tell him about Christ and let Christ save him” (1 Corinthians 9:22). Finding common ground with someone you’ve never considered reaching out to could help lead him or her to Christ!
Finally, you need to be willing to make an impact in the whole world. Wherever you go, and no matter what you’re doing, find ways to share Christ with others. Sometimes this is through words, sometimes through actions. Whether you’re in your hometown or in a foreign country, don’t let fear keep you from sharing God’s love with others. Remember that you’ll never be satisfied making a dollar when your purpose is to make a difference.