How does a person change the world? Some people are naturally charismatic and can energize multitudes toward action and change. There are others who boldly dare to personally govern by laying down their life. And yet others through armed conflict enact change in their area of the world. But how does the Christian change the world? Do we take up arms? Do we sacrifice our lives for change? Do we move great mobs of people to demand change? Paul wrote some very sound words in 1 Thessalonians 4:11. He wrote in part, “and that ye study to be quiet….” The New King James Version says, “that you also aspire to lead a quiet life….” It is not through great personal leadership that Christianity advances; it is not through high-profile martyrdom or through waging war that Christianity moves forward but through the quiet revolutions of the individual mind and conscience.
Christianity is a religion focused upon individual faith. Faith does not occur within a mob mentality. Faith does not occur within a democratic society. Faith does not occur within the masses of those in a dictatorial regime. Faith occurs in the individual heart and mind. It is a process that is solitary and singular within the individual’s thoughts and desires. It comes through hearing the word of God (Romans 10:17)-notice, hearing the word of God. Hearing is an individual activity. No one else can hear us. We must hear for ourselves. When the hearing is mixed with simple trust and obedience, the individual has faith. The revolution occurs within the mind on the spiritual level and the heart is forever changed to reflect that new belief.
Christianity is a religion focused upon individual commitment. Commitment is not a loud and noisy event. It occurs within the recesses of the heart and soul. While its results are seen through action, commitment itself is silent and individual. Jesus said to those who were contemplating following him, “For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish…. So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:28-30, 33).
The point Jesus is making is that it is folly to commit to something which you cannot complete. Jesus wants everyone to know that if they make the decision to follow Him, they must stick to that decision. But that decision is individual and singular. It must be a commitment on the part of the individual to take up the cross of Christ-no one else can make that decision for you.
Christianity is a religion focused upon the individual’s response to Christ. No one can force another person to be a Christian. There must be a revolution of the heart in order for one to become a Christian. Can others encourage, plead, exhort? Yes! And this helps the individual make the decision that he needs to make, but the decision, nonetheless, still belongs to the individual. So don’t look for a noisy display of outward show in true Christianity. That is not how it is done. True Christianity involves working steadfastly (1 Corinthians 15:58), patiently, lovingly, tenderly, quietly. How does a person change the world? It changes one heart at a time.