Robert F. Kennedy once said, “The purpose of life is to contribute in some way to making things better.” The calling is to make a difference. The message is the need to “be something, do something, and leave something.”
The Apostle Paul was a wonderful example of this. Paul was a Pharisee, a strict interpreter of Jewish Law, and a Roman citizen. Bright and intelligent, Paul was also a persecutor of Christians, but all that changed with his conversion experience.
Paul went on to become perhaps the greatest apostle to the Gentiles. Set apart to do God’s work, he was jailed, beaten, and stoned. Yet, he fully believed in his call. Paul started churches
all around the Mediterranean Sea. Paul did something.
On top of this, Paul left something for the world that was not there from the beginning. Paul wrote, or inspired, fourteen of the twenty-seven books of the New Testament. While in prison, he wrote the words, “Rejoice in the Lord always.” (Philippians 4:4, NIV) In his own way, Paul brought out the message to “be something, do something, and leave something.”
Consider another example of this message. Consider the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. King was a staunch evangelist and magnificent Civil Rights leader. He had strong academic credentials with degrees from Morehouse College and Boston University. He was the 1963 Time Magazine, “Man of the Year.” Additionally, he was the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. Martin was somebody.
Beyond all that, Dr. King led the Montgomery Bus Boycott, organized the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, and led the March on Washington. He taught Black Americans to believe in themselves. He did something.
Finally, Dr. King left something of significance. He left a legacy and movement that called for hope where hope was not seen. Martin left a book of sermons, letters from jail, and inspirational speeches that are studied today. Martin left something.
As we continually reflect on Paul in our church studies, might we take extra time to reflect on Dr. King too! As we celebrate his birthday this month, might we be inspired to make a difference ourselves.
Blessings in this New Year! Pastor Scott