If you opened up this article, chances are… you want to change the world. I mean, who wouldn’t right? Natural disasters, racism, crime, and social injustice of all kinds plague our planet daily. Good-hearted humanitarians are well aware of the darkness around them and constantly seek to make a positive impact. My ten days at World Race Training Camp in the Georgia mountains were filled with valuable experiences. It was fun to meet new friends and gain skills that will help us in our upcoming 11 month journey. But most of all, training camp equipped world racers with the knowledge and understanding necessary to not only be dangerous to the kingdom of darkness but also to bring the kingdom of Christ’s love and peace to earth. I learned how to change the world. Here’s how you can too.
Discover who or what your identity lies in.
As humans, we tend to create false identities of ourselves. We are so ill at ease with who we are as a person that we delve into a false reality to hide our flaws. It doesn’t work out well, and we are often plagued by not feeling we are enough. If you are a Christ follower, you have an identity centered in dignity. You are a son or daughter of God. You were created in His image for a divine purpose and your worth is invaluable.
Understand what grace is and how it impacts your relationship with God.
Grace can be defined as God’s redemption and corresponding enablement. God realizes that people are fallen creatures, and we can do nothing in and of ourselves to overcome sin. He sent His Son to make atonement for our sin (the redemption part), and afterwards He empowers us to overcome it (enablement). This means that whenever we notice ourselves living in a way that adds to the darkness, we have access through prayer to the strength to overcome that way of living. We can say no to the addiction, kick the habit, and instead choose life.
Practice forgiveness and reconciliation.
Bitterness and hatred are the roots for some the ugliest crimes in today’s society. We are a society of wounded people who often respond by hurting more people. It takes a brave person to confront the offense, grieve the pain, and reconcile the relationship. However, there is no better picture of Christ’s love than when we live in this way.
Live a life of freedom.
What is it that holds you back? What binds you? Maybe it’s fear. Or anxiety. Or it’s shame of your past. Search your heart and find out what’s causing you to feel guilt or shame. Pray about it and then speak it out to another person. Keeping things in the dark gives those things power over us. When light comes in, we are set free.
Have a listening heart.
Followers of Christ have the Holy Spirit living in them. Take time to empty yourself of things that clutter your mind and heart and make space for Him to reside. He wishes to guide us in truth, but He can only do that if we are aware of His presence in our lives.
Develop a community.
There is a large push in western culture that idolizes self-sufficiency. We think that the height of greatness is doing things “on our own” and “without anybody’s help.” This lie creeps into our core and before we know it we are isolated from everything and everybody. We are “on our own,” but it’s not as much fun as we thought it would be. Take time to develop relationships with loving, accepting people around you. Loving people is one of the greatest joys of all times.
Support others who are changing the world.
A shameless plug for money 😉 But really, invest in those who are taking the time to make a difference in the world around them. Seek out world changers and encourage them in their journey.
I would like to take a moment to point out that almost all of these points don’t have a lot to do with outward action but with inward focus. You want to change the world? Change your world. What you do matters. Live in a way that develops a healthy relationship with God and others and in so doing you can bring a little bit of heaven down to earth.
