I gotta think we all would like to say we are a difference maker in some form. Whether it is in the lives of our children, in our careers or through our service to others, we make an impression. The type of impression, though, should be one of positivity and valuable impact. I think about this a lot — especially in the context of the legacy I will one day leave behind.
It’s not that I want to be known for anything, or that I want to be famous. Instead, it’s about trying to fulfill a personal mission of good will to my fellow brothers and sisters of this world. Still, I get discouraged.
Of course, I have bad days. Really bad days. I get in funks and ruts that make me temporarily demoralized. Being a difference maker is the last thing on my mind. This is especially true when it feels like the pursuit of justice is a futile effort. That’s when we get into a “what’s the friggen use” type of mentality.
Today’s post is about having a super hero mindset, even when you feel like a super zero. It’s about keeping the cape on even when it seems like everything sucks.
God Loves and Administers Justice
He gives justice to the oppressed and food to the hungry. The LORD frees the prisoners. – Psalm 146:7 NLT
In desperate times, hope for justice can seem like a lost cause. What’s more, the idea of being the difference maker can seem like a noble, but unreasonable quest. It’s even easy to forget that the Lord is the great and almighty provider. There are so many people throughout the world who are oppressed, treated unfairly and otherwise victimized by those that ruler over them.
God does grant them justice. Not only does he favor justice, he sustains and sets them free. However, we need to be mindful of who is the ultimate provider of that freedom. It’s not those that rule; God is our supreme ruler and dispenser of justice…
Many seek the ruler’s favor, but justice comes from the LORD. – Proverbs 29:26
God Blesses The Difference Maker
God loves justice and sent his son to administer it. He blesses the difference makers who thirst for and seek justice.
The wallpaper of my computer says, quite simply, “Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly.” It’s that easy, right? Okay, maybe not really. But take heart, oh crusaders! Just as God loves justice, he equips, empowers and commissions you to be a difference maker.
You love justice and hate evil. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you, pouring out the oil of joy on you more than on anyone else. – Psalm 45:7 NLT
Yes, God loves justice (and he hates evil). We, as disciples made in the image of God, should equally love justice and despise evil. We should endeavor to perform his will for seeing justice prevail.
Why, because he blesses us — it’s sort of like having the most spectacular utility belt of all time.
God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied. – Matthew 5:6 NLT
Being a Difference Maker Today vs. Yesterday
Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows. – Isaiah 1:17
While leading an Adult Sunday School study of the twelve minor prophets, I was struck by just how much the people of the time were oppressing others. They were taking bribes, seizing land, murdering, perverting law and outright stealing. This wasn’t at the hands of mere petty thieves or organized crime lords.
The leaders were committing these evil deeds. And the leaders were not just kings. They were also priests and (false) prophets. They hid truth or bended it to fit their agenda’s. All for the purpose of amassing their own great wealth.
It’s no wonder that the oppressed were demoralized and short on hope. The minor prophets, like the Prophet Isaiah, called for an end to the shenanigans. They called for the Jokers and Bizarros of the era to end their reigns of suffering.
Those villains failed to listen. Fortunately, God sent the ultimate difference maker, his son Jesus Christ.
“Look at my servant, whom I strengthen. He is my chosen one, who pleases me. I have put my Spirit upon him. He will bring justice to the nations. – Isaiah 42:1
Remember that God loves justice and hates evil. Keep your spirits up and thirst for justice. As a difference maker in this world — one who pursues justice in the name of Jesus — God blesses you in your mission (cape or no cape).