Well, it's Christmas! Christmas is a time for shopping, eating, giving gifts, getting gifts and of course "It's a Wonderful Life," Frank Capra's master piece Christmas movie about George Bailey.George Bailey, the smartest and most loyal guy in town, thinks he has lost everything when money from the building and loan comes up missing. Even though he spent his life sacrificing his desires so that others could realize their dreams, he felt like a failure. He thinks of killing himself, when an angel, Clarence, arrives to save his life.
Of course, I am not telling most of you anything you did not already know.
However, the story continues as the angel gives George the gift of seeing how the world of Bedford Falls and it's inhabitance would have been if he had never been born. Without him the whole town changes. Everyone is negatively effected by his absence. Nothing is the way that it should be.
As I thought of this, my mind went in two directions. First, what effect would my absence have on my world? Secondly, how can I live my life that it will have the maximum impact?
I believe that each and everyone of us makes an impact on our world. The life that we live and the message that we carry, truly is effective in the lives of those we touch.
Jesus stepped into a world that was in chaos. His life changed the course of history. Nothing has been the same since. The cultural, political, and social landscape has been eternally altered.
Through His power; By His strength; With His Word, we too can effectively change the landscape of our world; Our cities; Peoples lives; The climate of our churches.
First, be encouraged, you are making a bigger impact than you think. Your life and your calling are significant in God's plan.
Second, make this coming year a year of influence. Pour yourself into others as did George Bailey. Pour yourself into your church. Pour yourself in to your city.
George gave away and used up his finances, his friendship, his talent and loyalty...everything he had. Yet, in the end they called him, "the richest man in town."
Give yourself. Give it all. The effect will result in eternal dividends and endless reward.
Hanging in the "Bailey Building and Loan" offices there was a picture that said, "The Only Thing You Can Take With You Are the Things that You Give Away."
Living totally sold out to God..."It's a Wonderful Life!"
