It Makes a World of Difference

Sometimes you hear a phrase, and it sticks with you. My wife Carol commented on the meaning of it “makes a world of difference” and it got me thinking. I could not find the origin, but I suspect it came from a Baby Boomer. My generation stands on the shoulders of the GI generation, the builders of institutions and creators of wealth. We are inheriting that wealth. Our generation has benefited from their sacrifice and hard work, and in the depths of our being, there is a sense of awe that fills us with gratitude. 

It is from this deep gratitude that the desire to make a difference – “a world of difference” grows within us. You can witness the growth of philanthropy throughout the United States. People see a need, an injustice, a societal problem, challenges to the environment, inequality in education, abandoned animals, and they act. Add to the list, those who see opportunities for creating botanical gardens and parks, expanding the Arts, and improving healthcare and, suddenly, there are over one million not-for-profits created that are boldly asking for our financial support.

This is done because there is joy in making “a world of difference” to an inner-city child through the after school program we support. When we give and act out of gratitude, we experience joy. Paul was right. God loves a cheerful – joyful giver.

Which brings me to the church. Religion once received a major piece of the philanthropy pie, but that has been shrinking in the past few years. There are many reasons for the decline in religious dollars and part of that decline is the increasing competition for donors. The food pantry, the hospital, the after school program, all share stories of how they have made “a world of difference.” Their vision, work and resources have solved problems and made lives better. And most certainly, the decline in church attendance is also a contributing factor.

But I also think there is root cause. To compete, the church has focused on offering similar programs and ministries. We to want to point to “our” efforts that have made “a world of difference.” I believe this focus on “ourselves” largely contributes to the root cause of the decline in members and support. You see, for the church, it should not be “what” will make a world of difference, but “Who” will make a world of difference. Our gratitude for Jesus is our joy in that we can share his love and sacrifice with others. When I sing the refrain of the hymn “Give Me Jesus” – “You can have all this world, give me Jesus,” I am reminded that it is the “Who” which has made “a world of difference” in my life.