2-11 Daily in the Word

Making a Difference Through Our Beliefs

by Dr. Paul Chappell

“And of some have compassion, making a difference.”

Jude 22

The men and women who have moved the world have been the men and women the world could not move.

Many years ago a man was commissioned by the king of Denmark to lead a band of soldiers against pirates who were reeking havoc with shipping along a certain coastal area. The man set up his headquarters on a lonely, rocky, desolate island just off the coast, and after a few years he was able to clear the pirates out of the area.

Upon returning to the mainland, he reported to the king. The king was very pleased and offered him anything he wanted. All he wanted, he told the king, was a plot of land on the island where he had just lived and fought for so many months. They told him the island was barren. Why would he want to live there? "I want to plant trees," was his reply. "I want to make the island beautiful." The king's aides thought he was crazy. The island was constantly swept by storms and high winds. He would never be able to get a tree to grow there.

However, he insisted, and the king granted him his wish. He went to live on the island, built a home, and finally was able to bring his wife to it. For years, he and his wife worked industriously, persistently, planting trees, shrubs, and grass. Gradually, the vegetation took hold and the island began to flourish. One morning they arose to hear birds singing. There had never been any birds on the island before.

Eventually, the island became a showplace and now is visited by thousands of tourists each year. When he died, he requested that the following words be inscribed on his tombstone: "Make you the world a bit more beautiful and better because you have been on it."

As Christians, God’s desire for us is that we would make a difference each day. But in order to make a difference, we must be different. In the beginning verses of Jude, we are instructed to build up our faith because there are others who are trying to tear it down. Although unpopular, it is vital that as Christians we stand firm on our faith. It has been said, “The men and women who have moved the world have been the men and women the world could not move.”

Our faith needs to be grounded in God’s Word because, as God says, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear” (I Peter 3:15). We are to be grounded in our faith so as to be ready to stand firm on what we believe if others question us.

Are you grounded in your faith? If someone asked you to explain what you believe and why you believe it, would you be confident in giving them an answer? God desires that we always be ready! To be grounded in your faith, spend daily time in God’s Word. Also, be faithful in attending a solid, Bible-believing and preaching church. The more you hear God’s Word, the more grounded you will be in what you believe. When you are grounded in your faith, you can confidently share your faith with others.


Daily Bible Reading
Leviticus 11-12 • Matthew 26:1-25