Be the Difference

While I was walking the path last week, a runner slipped passed me. Normally caught up in classical arrangements and the beauty of nature, I am lost to all around me, but the back of the runner’s shirt caught my eye. Written were the words “Be the difference that makes the difference.” Quickly typing the quote in my phone, I left it to ponder later.

Taken from Jerusalem to Babylon at an early age, Daniel was considered good looking and incredibly smart. He was teachable and would be trained to serve in the king’s palace with other young men from his land. He was brought to make a difference. Daniel was different from the Babylonians. Daniel chose to walk in the ways of God. Though offered the delicacies of the king’s table, Daniel chose to fill himself with healthy food. Though he gained knowledge from the Babylonians, he filled his mind and his heart with the wisdom and knowledge of God. Though in a different land, Daniel held to the God of his land, and he was different.

During the reign of King Darius, Daniel was appointed as one of three administrators over 120 satraps, however because of his extraordinary qualities, King Darius wanted to set him over the whole kingdom. Of course, this did not make the others happy, and they began to look for ways to bring charges against Daniel, “but they could find no ground for complaint or any fault, because he was faithful, and no error or fault was found in him.” (Daniel 6:4b)

The only way to remove Daniel was to challenge what made him different. A decree was signed, and it seemed Daniel’s fate was sealed. The men knew Daniel was different because of his relationship with God. Would Daniel turn away from God to save his life?

“When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously. Then these men came by agreement and found Daniel making petition and plea before his God.” (Daniel 6:10-11)

Knowing the sentence of death was on Daniel, King Darius was devastated. He did all he could to reverse the decree, but by Persian law, once signed, a decree could not be changed, even by the king. “Daniel was brought and cast into the den of lions. The king declared to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, deliver you!” (Daniel 6:16b) Even the king knew the life Daniel lived was because of God.

With the dawn, the king rushed to the lion’s den and found God had shut the mouths of the lions. With God’s protection over Daniel, the king finally understood God was different from the gods he worshipped. He was God. He saw God in the life of Daniel and wanted that for himself and his kingdom. King Darius declared to his people that Daniel’s God was the living God, and they should bow before Him. Because he chose to be different, Daniel made a difference.

Without a doubt, many people in this world make a difference. They make an impact on those around them through what they say and do. The greatest difference a follower of Jesus can make is to show people Jesus and their way to Him. Knowing God is the difference between eternity in heaven and hell. We are called to make a difference.

So, as I ponder the quote – “Be the difference that makes the difference” – I search my heart and wonder, am I making a difference? Do people see something in me that causes them to want that too? Do they know the difference is Jesus? Do they know they can have that difference too?

How are you making a difference? Think of the cross, think of the great love God has for you, think of His mercy and grace. God calls us to be different. “Be the difference that makes the difference.”

In His Love,

Susan