A Life of Significance

There are times in life when you look back and wonder what the significance of it all was, or what you are doing now that will be significant in the future. Then the thought comes, what is ‘significance’? After all, what is ‘significant’ to one person may not be to another person. I have faced this crisis in my own life and have recognized the paradox in it.

We all face choices in our lives. Some of those choices lead to actions that affect a large group of people, while others lead to actions that affect only a small group. Some lead to accolades and others to no public recognition at all. The name of Mordecai Ham probably doesn’t mean much to you, but you have likely been affected in some measure by the work he did. Mordecai Ham was an evangelist and speaker who led a series of meetings in Charlotte, NC in 1934 at the invitation of the Charlotte Businessman’s Club. At one of those meetings a young man was touched by God and was saved. His name was Billy Graham. (source: http://www.wheaton.edu/bgc/archives/faq/13.htm) You may never hear the name of Mordecai Ham mentioned in any other context. Was he significant? To Billy Graham he was. And through Billy Graham his significance was multiplied many times over. God uses even those who are small in the eyes of the world to bring glory to Himself.

If God is calling you to a position with significance in the eyes of many such as a pastor, a denominational office, a political career, or some other such role, then do not shrink from it. Accept His calling and do it as to the Lord, not to men. Be accountable to Him. If He is calling you to a less visible role, then also do it as to the Lord, not to men. If He is calling you to be a good parent, then take joy in your children. If a teacher, then find your joy in the young lives you mold. If He is calling you to be a loving spouse, then take joy in your mate.

Most importantly, be the hands, feet, face and voice of Christ to others and your significance will be complete.