You don't have to save the world!

There are a large number of us who are adversely impacted by events happening around the globe. It is not that we are physically affected in anyway, but we certainly feel frustrated that we can't do anything to help. 

I have found that the emotions, that come along with these feelings of helplessness, can wear us down to a point of paralysis in our present contexts. In other words, we are so caught up in the battles raging elsewhere, that we have no energy to make a difference where we are living now! 

This quote has helped me to have a reality check:

Parker Palmer – “Our real freedom comes from being aware that we do not have to save the world, we must merely make a difference in the place where we live.”

Jesus told his disciples to be witnesses in Jerusalem first. Once they had done that, then they could move out to Judea, Samaria and the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8).

Living in Grace

D3LM3

What do you think?

I am leading a series of Bible Studies at our District Synod over the weekend and I have been given this theme - "Igniting Mission - Breaking Barriers." I would love to have some of your thoughts on this topic if you have a minute. Perhaps I could be so forward to ask you to reflect on these questions and if you can give me your opinion I would value your time.

1. What does Mission (being a Witness for Christ) mean to you?
2. How do you think we can 'Ignite' Mission in our local contexts?
3. What are you currently doing in your Church that you feel has "caught alight" and is being effective for the Gospel?
4. How can we break barriers in our communities through our Witness for Christ?

Thanks for helping out. Please reply to the email address (delmelinscott@hotmail.com) or on the actual blog itself. In the meantime think on this quote:

Michael Green – “God’s church exists not for itself but for the benefit of those who are not yet members …and the church which lives for itself will be sure to die by itself.”

Acts 20:24 (Message) - What matters most to me is to finish what God started: the job the Master Jesus gave me of letting everyone I meet know all about this incredibly extravagant generosity of God.

Living in Grace

D3LM3 

What impact?

"Let no one come to you without coming away better and happier" - Mother Teresa

What impact do you have on others?
When they speak to you or see you, do they want to know what makes you different?
Do they want to follow Jesus because of your heart and smile?

What a challenge to impact people in such a way that they leave the encounter 'better' and 'happier.' And so I am going to leave you with that challenge today - do this for even one person and see what happens.

Philemon 1:5 - "...because I’ve heard of your love and faithfulness, which you have both for the Lord Jesus and for all God’s people." (CEV)

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Making an impact

There is a quote that has been troubling me all week. I used it in my sermon tonight and it is still swimming around in my head.


“If your presence doesn’t make an impact, then your absence won’t make a difference.” - Anon

You could swap the word "impact" with the word "influence" and it still makes for challenging reading. If what we are doing in life, doesn't make a positive influence on the lives of others, then perhaps we need to re-evaluate what we are doing. This goes beyond our work situations - it spans everything aspect of our lives - family, friendships, church, community, country and so on. 

I know that many of us may not feel that we naturally make an impact, but let's not underestimate the contribution we make. It may seem small, but it can make a huge difference. Remember this quote:

“If you think you're too small to have an impact, try going to sleep with a mosquito in the room.” -

Anita Roddick

Let's commit to do what we can to influence our world/town/school/work place.

1 Samuel 15:17 - "Samuel said, “Although you were once small in your own eyes, did you not become the head of the tribes of Israel? The Lord anointed you king over Israel."

Living in Grace

D3LM3