I heard the story of an atheist who challenged a pastor to debate him about belief in God and Jesus.  The pastor agreed… but on one condition.  What was it?  That the pastor could have 100 people speak about the differences Jesus had made in their lives.   And that the atheist would also have 100 of his own choosing, testifying to what a difference atheism had made in their lives.  An equal challenge.  The pastor arrived at the auditorium with 100 people who would gladly say what the Lord had done for them.  The other side?  How many came to support atheism?  Not even the original atheist!

Jesus says in Matthew 5 that our light will shine, our salt will be tasty, when we know Him as our personal Savior.   We’ll make a difference in this world where we live.  Why?  ‘…so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven'(Matthew 5: 16).

Do good works and give Him the credit.  All to the Lord.  Makes sense really.  Our salvation has nothing to do with how good we are.  We’re not that good.  I’m not.  But Jesus is.  And He is our salvation.  Through faith in Him.

But it doesn’t end there.  As James wrote–‘do not merely listen to the word…do what it says'(James 1:22).  And– ‘You see that his faith and his actions were working together…'(2:22).  Finally– ‘…faith without works is dead'(2:26).  We get the point.  If we have faith in Jesus, it will show like salt in otherwise tasteless food or light in a darkened room.

We’ll make a difference.  Not for us.  But for the glory of God, who deserves it all.  Years ago I hosted a local television program called ‘Person-to-Person’.  It was a testimony show.  People sharing how they came to know Jesus.  All kinds of stories were told.  I loved it.  So interesting how the Holy Spirit works…with no two alike.  In the middle of the show,  a vocalist would sing a Gospel song.  Then, for the second half, we centered on the differences Christ made in their lives.  Those stories were as interesting.  Never had one with a conversion experience, who didn’t have an interesting story about the changes that came into their lives.

Lots to share when we know the Savior!  Your story, too?  If not, then welcome Jesus into your life right now.  Get ready?  Great things are ahead for you!  For sure!

Prayer:  Thank you, Lord, for giving me salvation in your Son Jesus.  I receive Him into my heart and look forward to all the good changes that will be coming in my life for your glory.  In His name.  Amen.