During his address to pilgrims at the World Youth Day vigil earlier in the summer, Pope Francis spoke about the importance of leaving a mark and not just passing through life comfortably without making a difference.
Christ left his mark on our world and for us Christians, he made a huge difference to our lives and continues to do so. It should come as no surprise, then, that as his followers who attempt to be more and more like him at each turn, we should also be working to effect change in our world and leave a mark. This mark isn't about seeking fame or having our own name remembered but having his name remembered by those who were previously unaware of him.
The thought of making a positive impact in a big world with so many complex issues can be overwhelming. But there are so many little things that we can do to make big changes. While Jesus left a remarkable legacy from his time on earth, and made the ultimate sacrifice, he didn't overlook the significance of small acts of kindness.
God's way isn't the way of the world. We can't stand out as followers of Christ if we fail to exhibit certain fundamental principles, some of which are listed below...
Romans 8:28 - And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
2 Timothy 2:22 - So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.
Romans 12:6-8 - Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.
What we might consider to be the little things can mean a lot. Here's one way to leave a mark that we are all called to do and all have the capacity to do...
Mark 16:15 - And he said to them, "Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation."
Not allowing the pursuit of material possessions to take priority and extending generosity to others helps us stand apart in a selfish world. How we give to those in need can make the world of difference...
Luke 12:33 - Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys.
Jesus is the example that we should look to but we can also be an example to others and our actions can point people towards him...
1 Timothy 4:12 - Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 - And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.
