Day 38- Becoming a World- Class Christian

God's call to us to reach the world for him is a personal call to you. You have two choices: either look to your own needs or to the needs of others. Looking to your own needs for fulfillment is what the world expects. Followers of Christ need to look outside of themselves. Those who don't know Christ are selfish and are never fulfilled, those who have accepted Christ need to look to the needs of others and give themselves away to get the most important thing in return, a fulfilling relationship with Christ.

In order to go from our old ways to the new, we must first stop thinking about ourselves. Begin looking to the spiritual needs of unbelievers. Start praying for guidance to help others get closer to God.

Next, think beyond the places you know. There is a big world out there and places where Christians struggle and are persecuted. Begin praying for people you may never meet: missionaries, world leaders, and those in other countries and places who need to hear about Christ. Pay attention to world events and pray for people to see God reveal himself in their times of need.

Think about things that are eternal. It is easy even for Christians to get caught up thinking about possessions of this world, but they all pass away. Work on thinking about the needs of others and how you can help. Your efforts to help others see Christ will not pass away. You can trade things that don't last for things that do.

Finally, don't focus on excuses. When you begin doing what Christ asks of his followers, all kinds of excuses will come to mind. Instead of not doing what you are called to do, begin working on creative ways to overcome those excuses. If you think you are too young, remember that 1 Timothy 4.12 says, "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity." You can be an example to others because of your age! If you think you have too little to give, read Mark 12.42-44. Start praying about ways that what you see as weaknesses can be gifts that lead others to a relationship with Christ.

Thinking about my purpose:
Know. God's call for us to reach out to others is a call to me.
Remember. "Send us around the world with the news of your saving power and your eternal plan for all mankind." -Psalm 67.2 (LB)
Think about it. What can I do to help others around the world in the next year?