By Marianne Mauti
The Power Of One Person
Not long ago I read an article from Success Magazine entitled, “The Power of One”, By Diana Booher. In the article she talks about the the possibility there is for one person to reach millions. Here is what she had to say about finding a voice with people who are not normally in your sphere of influence:
“Today as we’re bombarded with information delivered across multiple platforms, we can become desensitized, skeptical. We’re not easily moved by facts. Yet, those rare messages and experiences that strike an emotional chord can engage us in ways that transcend reason."It’s the personal messages that can really resonate, and people who might never have considered speaking out now find a voice through social media. They’ve put a new spin on old reformist techniques like civil disobedience, petitioning and protesting. Social media empowers people because it’s personal. Think about it, you’re not just responding to a cry for change from a stranger, you’re connecting with a friend or a friend of a friend. In some ways, these personal connections supersede even the message’s wording. And the stronger your personal network, the more trusted you are as a source of information, the more likely your message will spread. Perhaps the most critical factor is the messenger himself, someone others can relate to with an experience that could be theirs.”
I will be the first to admit there are many things about the internet that I do not like. I don't like how it has aversely affected social behavior and our interaction with one another but to ignore its significance to this generation and just hand over all its possibilities to those who want to promote a secular agenda would be handing over the next generation to them. Whether we like it or not this is how and where they communicate.
Social media allows millions of readers to access, to be moved and motivated by the passion of an individual writer or speaker. Personal messages resonate because we all face similar circumstances in life! The internet has given us a format to communicate in a whole new way to people all across the world. THink how impossible that was just 20 years ago! What God can use you to say in the cyber world may begin as a personal mission or vision, but it can turn into a cause that can take on a life of its own!
With so many voices bombarding the cyber world it is easy to question whether your voice can be heard and if it could make a difference. I think Diane Booher's article presents a compelling argument that it can! There can be no doubt that technology has opened a huge pathway for change. One so large it may take a few decades to fully realize the power of the messages that were heard and how they may have had an effect on world culture and opinion!
Having a Vision...
Diane Booher said this in her recent article, "We need to turn off our televisions and go out into the world and tell a vision and a vision requires positivity. There is no vision in what is wrong and what is not working. True visionaries are the ones that not only see clearly and recognize the problem, but also have the capacity to see, articulate and begin to create the solutions.”
The Bible says, "Where there is no vision, the people perish" Proverbs 29:18 . I find that most individuals I talk to really do want to have a vision for their life. They want to see a positive response to their need but even more than that they want to know their life really has purpose and meaning. Being able to navigate your life requires a personal vision, being able to navigate the "purpose" of your life requires a "spiritual" vision. Many are looking for a positive purpose for their life, and guess what, God wants them to find it! God created everyone of us with a definite purpose in mind! The Word of God has the truth they are searching for, it can provide them with a clear vision for their future.
You Are Unique……
"I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do. What I can do, I should do. And what I should do, by the grace of God, I will do." Edward Everett Hale
So how do you begin to do what you can do and should do? Well the first thing you need to do is acknowledge that God created you with a purpose in mind and accept that you have something to contribute that no one else in the world does! God has uniquely made and fashioned you. There is no one else who is completely like you. No one else has your abilities and gifts and no one else is situated where you are at the time you are here! If you really think too long about that you could really be blown away by the possibilities God may have for you while you are here!
Secondly you have to stop thinking and saying, "But I am only one person and what difference can anything I have to say or do make in this world!" In our own insecurity it is easy to underestimate the significance of one person and the value of "you": your vote, your convictions and your determination to say, “I stand against this” or, "God use me to make a difference!"
As you read the Bible , I think you will find that you are in good company! From Genesis to Revelation you see God's hand in the lives of men and women who when they allowed God to use them, the result was life and history changing! They had a faith in God to do His will through them! Noah, Abraham, Moses, Daniel, Esther, Jeremiah, Nehemiah and the Apostles. They were people like us, with a lot more problems and fears to face than we ever have! Because of their faith, each one made a difference in his time and generation and so can you!
The Power of Commitment...
As you read the Bible , I think you will find that you are in good company! From Genesis to Revelation you see God's hand in the lives of men and women who when they allowed God to use them, the result was life and history changing! They had a faith in God to do His will through them! Noah, Abraham, Moses, Daniel, Esther, Jeremiah, Nehemiah and the Apostles. They were people like us, with a lot more problems and fears to face than we ever have! Because of their faith, each one made a difference in his time and generation and so can you!
The Power of Commitment...
All the potential and God created purpose in the world doesn't amount to anything until you are willing to dedicate yourself to it! Making a difference in this world doesn't takes a huge movement or an army. History has proven time and again that change often occurred when and individual made a COMMITMENT to the vision and then had the courage to do what others only thought about trying! I believe that every generation gives birth to committed and courageous individuals who are equipped to do life changing things for others.
The Power of Conviction…
The Power of Conviction…
A famous Christian evangelist, Billy Sunday, is quoted as having said that the success of his ministry was because “God started a fire in him and the people came to watch him burn.” If you come with a fire in your heart, kindled by the love you have for the Lord Jesus Christ, the Spirit that burns in you can ignite a fire in those around you! With him there are no insignificant lives, no little people. He specializes in the people-changing business. We have the God-given power to think, to choose, to act and become all God designed us to be but it won't always be easy and it may not happen quickly! What we commit to doing must be fueled by our CONVICTION to seeing it get done! Billy Sunday inspired others to be ignited by his conviction! Within the will of God, imagine the world changing things we could accomplish on His behalf if we burned with that kind of passionate conviction!
Ask yourself this, "Did Jesus Christ make a difference?" He didn’t select a committee. He didn’t theorize how great it would be for someone to come to our rescue. He didn’t simply grieve over our waywardness and wring His hands in sorrow. The Son of God said to the Father, “I will go.” So the question I want to ask in conclusion is not, "What do you think of what Christ did?" The question I want to ask is, "What will you do about what you think?"
The Power of One...
In a world that seems to get more confusing, where morals and values seem to be eroding, it is important that you believe what you have to say can and will be heard by someone who needs to hear it! Whether it is through the internet or through personal involvement at home or on a mission field. What matters is that you do what God has given you the passion for! If you have made a commitment to it then you must have the conviction to see it through!
While the opportunities the internet and social media offer are exciting, it is just one of many ways to have an impact on those around you! It is tremendous way to reach a vast amount of people but it is certainly not the only way . When it comes to an everyday, ongoing ministry to others, there isn't anything quite as effective as a personal relationship! There are people all over the world making a difference in the lives of others that don’t own a computer or understand the latest technology. They just do what God has given them to do and simply believe that every day they get up, they have an opportunity to make a difference!
We Can Begin By…..
Where do we begin? As you grow in your relationship with God, He will show you His divinely created purpose and path. Through your gifts and abilities you will begin to develop your passion and skills. His word will bring spiritual direction and He will place people in your life who can help you to grow in His character and nature!
God's word does gives us all the instruction we need for life. It is a standard by which we can examine our plan and direction. We can all begin by being obedient to God's word:
LOVE "your neighbor as yourself” (Luke 10:27)
SPEAK UP "for those who cannot speak for themselves” (Proverbs 31:8)
RESCUE "those being led away to death” (Proverbs 24:11)
MAKE "disciples of all nations” (Matt 28:19)
There are things we can all do, everyday that don't require great skill or maturity. What they do require from us is the commitment to reach out and the conviction to see it through!We can all begin today to experience the power of one person to change the world and the lives of others!
Please Note: "Forging Your Faith" does not promote any Christian Ministry or Secular Publication we are to associated with.
Where do we begin? As you grow in your relationship with God, He will show you His divinely created purpose and path. Through your gifts and abilities you will begin to develop your passion and skills. His word will bring spiritual direction and He will place people in your life who can help you to grow in His character and nature!
God's word does gives us all the instruction we need for life. It is a standard by which we can examine our plan and direction. We can all begin by being obedient to God's word:
LOVE "your neighbor as yourself” (Luke 10:27)
SPEAK UP "for those who cannot speak for themselves” (Proverbs 31:8)
RESCUE "those being led away to death” (Proverbs 24:11)
MAKE "disciples of all nations” (Matt 28:19)
There are things we can all do, everyday that don't require great skill or maturity. What they do require from us is the commitment to reach out and the conviction to see it through!We can all begin today to experience the power of one person to change the world and the lives of others!
Please Note: "Forging Your Faith" does not promote any Christian Ministry or Secular Publication we are to associated with.
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FORGING YOUR FAITH
To 'Forge' something, is to mold and shape something for suitable use. We believe that our lives are constantly being shaped and molded by the hand of God for His divine purpose! This publication strives to encourage believers who are beginning this process and those who are well into it! We also believe a truly successful life is a Christ-Centered Life! We hope you will join us and become a regular reader!
Thank You and God Bless,
Marianne Mauti
Founder and CAO
'Forging Your Faith' is the online Christian publication of 'Christ the King Church' in Bellevue, Pa.
About Marianne Mauti: Marianne is a writer and blogger as well as a Pastor at "Christ the King Church" in Bellevue, Pa. She is currently the Dean and Chief Operating Officer of "Christ the King Seminary" a full time Bible Institute. For more information about us please contact us at: crowncntr@aol.com
About Marianne Mauti: Marianne is a writer and blogger as well as a Pastor at "Christ the King Church" in Bellevue, Pa. She is currently the Dean and Chief Operating Officer of "Christ the King Seminary" a full time Bible Institute. For more information about us please contact us at: crowncntr@aol.com ***********************************************************
ARTICLE RESOURCES
ARTICLE RESOURCES
* The Bible
*Dr. George R. Beninate: Is Bishop of "Christ the King Church" in Pennsylvania, West Virginia and in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. A Doctor of Theology, Biblical Apologist, conference speaker, lecturer and my spiritual father.He is also the Author of several books including,"The Age of Glory", Thank you for your relentless pursuit of truth!
* Diane Booher's article, "The Power of One". Success Magazine.
