If there was some behavior that made us feel good, gave us a sense of purpose, and helped us deal with life issues such as depression, anxiety, and addiction, you would think we would do it. And if it also benefited others and was something God has clearly asked us to do, we would certainly do it, probably right away. Right?
Serving others produces all those benefits, and we can do that by offering our time and talents, or by supporting ministries that do.
Sooner or later, there will be questions we all must answer. Because, ultimately, we will be measured not by what we have, but by what we give away. It’s up to us to choose to make a difference.
Should We Do Something?
Doing nothing is a choice. It seems an easy option, but it is often the very worst thing we can do:
The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing. (Edmund Burke)
The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing. (Albert Einstein)
Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter. (Martin Luther King)
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Will We Take the First Step?
When we choose to make a difference, it is then up to us to take the next right step:
Knowing what’s right doesn’t mean much unless you do what’s right. (Theodore Roosevelt)
Never measure your generosity by what you give, but rather by what you have left. (Fulton J. Sheen)
Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required. (Luke 12:48)
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What Can We Do?
There is a desperate need all around us that is destroying lives, ruining families, and killing people:
No one is immune from addiction; it afflicts people of all ages, races, classes, and professions. (Patrick J. Kennedy)
Addiction is treatable, and most people recover. (John F. Kelly, Ph.D.)
Imagine what it would mean to these individuals, their families and their communities if we could even cut the duration of addiction careers in half. What we lack as a culture is not the technology to achieve that goal, but the collective compassion and commitment to do it. (William L. White)
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When Will We Act?
With so much riding on the choices we make, it’s up to us to act with urgency:
The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now. (Chinese proverb)
“Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.” (Isaiah 6:8)
If you have a vaccine or an antidote that people can benefit from, you’re not going to want to keep it to yourself. You’re going to want to spread that wisdom or whatever to as many people as you can, so everybody can benefit from it. (will.i.am)
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Choose to Make a Difference
Together, we can make a difference to prevent addiction. And there are areas where we can maximize our impact and leverage our contributions for the greatest good:
- Families – Helping parents protect their kids from addiction and live happier lives.
- Churches – Mobilizing the church to serve those in need by equipping church members.
- Businesses – Company executives are uniquely positioned to impact the lives of employees.
- Over the Internet – In today’s digital age, we have the ability to reach anyone, anywhere, and at any time with information and training to prevent addiction.
It’s a decision we all make, and doing nothing is a choice that will affect people’s live. But if one person at a time will choose to make a difference, we can change the world.
What will you choose?
Question: Are you willing to choose to make a difference?
Action: Decide today to take a step to impact people’s lives.
Photo by Mark Fischer 
Photo by laudu Photo by Wonderlane
