What I love about Australia and Australians is that for the most part, we are a people who make a positive difference in the world. Australia’s prosperity and governance makes it possible people to live peaceably, find opportunities readily and make a difference.
I believe we are poised for major economic reforms and greater prosperity as a nation. Despite hearing some gloomy economic reports, (though lessons are to be taken to heart from these), I choose to live with a kingdom perspective. God says in his word prosperity can be restored overnight as we look to him! In 2 Kings it says, “Hear the word of the Lord. About this time tomorrow,” the famine and lack will lift.
His miracles through you make a difference
The good news is that God is not restricted by any human agenda, lack or stereo-type.
For example, last week I took a team to a remote indigenous Australian community. We saw God’s favour in remarkable ways. I shared a word the Lord gave me for them: “Plans to prosper you” from the book of Jeremiah.
We saw God move on the hearts of the people and great hope arise. Not only did we preach and see the holy spirit minister some miracles of healing, and freedom. We also saw God at work in the board room, ministering to those in governance too. Despite all the challenges the community faces, distinct optimism arose for economic growth and jobs.
God says in Zecharia chapter one that “My cities will spread abroad through prosperity…the craftsmen have come…” We serve a gracious God and our team comprised of people with specialized skills, anointed with God’s wisdom to help release prosperity. The word and God’s divine enabling helped people to wake up to possibilities. Exciting; God’s word says, “I was awakened as a man who was asleep…” We are following up there is a wonderful spirit of collaboration.
Make a difference with a difference!
How can we see this happen more? Jesus said, “a lamp is never put under a bowl,” “in the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your father in heaven.”
God wants our ministry to be prominent for all to see; for all our politicians, for world leaders, for the media hungry for a story with a difference, and for all. He wants us to be blessed to know the dignity of being a light to the world, who see Him at work.
To make a difference with a difference, we are to be lit up as a lamp by the spirit of God. Interestingly, when Jesus mentioned our father in heaven will get the glory it is the first time in Matthew, is the first place ‘father’ is mentioned. It shows making a difference by being a light really distinguishes us sons of the Most high as we impact the world. The light of goodness and righteousness attracts people to know God as father.
Making-a-difference-motivations
Jesus said, you are the light of the world and salt of the earth. Salt speaks of commitment in the bible. Remember Lot’s wife who looked back instead of obeying God. Or think of the offerings given in Leviticus that were added with salt.
I believe Jesus is saying that not just anyone can be a light of the world, as he modelled it personally for us all. It is for specifically for ‘salty’ committed believers, who understand how to steward his kingdom. Matthew chapter 5, verse 3 to 13 reveal the principles and motivations to walk in kingdom authority to make a difference.
Firstly, blessed are the poor. Jesus wants us to see our need, to go from our hole to whole in him. He then said blessed are those who mourn. In other words we are to go from sins-grief to relief through his forgiveness. Thirdly he said, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” We are best to rest in Him instead of reaching and grabbing at things not ordained for us to have.
Making-a-difference-manifestations
As we allow his spirit to administer his kingdom rule in us there will be manifestations of the children of God. ‘Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness;’ we will have fight for the right in our lives. If we receive his mercy we will know the blessing of being merciful; we will go from being to a brute to gaining a salute. If we really let God go deep in our hearts, we can be sure as one’s pure; ‘blessed are the poor for they shall see God.’
Now we are sure to make a difference in our world. Think of situations needing a peace maker today. I call them ‘rift-repairers!’ Rifts due to mistrust, racism, rejection, hurt, destruction, conflict, gossip, abuse, exploitation, wars, whatever it may be, can be repaired as we bring the peace and shalom into that situation. Shalom literally can mean peace, harmony, wholeness, healing, completeness, leading to reconciliation, healing, prosperity, welfare and success.
No wonder God’s word says ‘The whole of creation is in pains waiting for the manifestation of the sons of God.” So, we are the light of the world if we possess these qualities.
Blessed are you, peace-maker!
However, how do we know we are getting what Jesus said right? Jesus said finally, ‘Blessed are those who are persecuted.” When we have the right execution there will be persecution! Righteousness in world with darkness will clash at times.
But, let’s not go looking for conflict. As we love our enemies we will see God’s rewards too. May God bless your journey as his ambassador of peace.
Mark Rusic was born in Melbourne and has a bachelor in Mechanical engineering. He became a missionary to many suffering hardship and poverty on Madura Island in Indonesia, for about 4 years, from 1990. He has worked as a pastor-life coach over the past 17 years in Hope International Ministries. Mark is also an artist and author and has also written two books which are a collection of his own paintings, photography and poetry. These include ‘Iconic Melbourne of Australia’ and ‘Iconic Animals of Australia with a voice to release your giant potential within,’ available on booktopia.com.au. He has been counted among some of Australia’s best-selling authors since 2014 and is a public speaker in various community groups, organisations and churches. He has a special grace to help people find and release why they were born and enjoys supporting indigenous peoples. See iconiccolours.com for more information about Mark’s services.