Making a Difference for Eternity

“So on the next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp, and they entered the audience hall with the military tribunes and the prominent men of the city. Then, at the command of Festus, Paul was brought in” (Acts 25:23).

This verse depicts a striking dichotomy between two historically significant characters and the impact their lives would impress upon our world. In this passage, Agrippa occupies the seat of power while Paul appears before him as a lowly prisoner. King Agrippa II (also known as Marcus Julius Agrippa), born into a family of great prestige, was given by Rome rule over a significant region in what is today modern Israel and Syria. A Jew by birth, Agrippa maintained relative status within the Roman Empire due to his unyielding allegiance to Caesar. Though well acquainted with the Jewish Scriptures, he maintained an incestuous relationship with his sister Bernice and rejected the gospel of Jesus Christ given through the witness of the Apostle Paul. At Agrippa’s death, his family’s dynasty would end and his place in history was relegated to relative irrelevance. In contrast, the Apostle Paul, persecuted, maligned, and spending his last days in a Roman prison, would go on to become one of the most significant characters for change in human history. His works in the New Testament are among the greatest in all of literature and his missionary efforts literally changed the course of history. The passage of time proves the significance of each of these character’s choices upon generations to come.

During this season in which we honor those who are graduating from various levels of education, it is important to evaluate just how one can truly make a memorable impact upon our world for good. Every graduate deservedly receives accolades for scholastic accomplishments, but what next steps will be made? How can a graduate make choices which will significantly impact future generations? While Paul’s time and place in history is certainly unique, his mark on this world is significant because of his connection with the body of Christ, the local church. While most of us will probably not travel the world starting churches or write letters which billions will go on to read, our personal impact on history finds significance by our participation in the local church.

As our graduating seniors are on the verge of important decisions which will invariably leave their imprint upon this world and eternity, let us consider three reasons why faithful participation in the ministry of the local church will leave an indelible mark.

1. Community is experienced.

At no point in history has connection with others been so accessible. Yet, people are increasingly disconnected from meaningful relationships. The local church continues to thrive as a place in which people of all ages and life experiences can fellowship and connect. Life’s richest and most rewarding experiences are not found in solidarity, but in community. In Christ, we have been gifted by God to serve others. And we need others to serve us as well. “For the body does not consist or one member, but of many.” (1 Corinthians 12:14).

2. The outlet for faith is tangible.

Our culture has never been more spiritual. Yet, that spirituality is a façade unless it fleshes itself in giving as a living sacrifice for the cause of the gospel and the betterment of others. The local church is God’s vehicle for His work through us. “Faith apart from works is dead” (James 2:26).

3. The Truth is offered.

There are many sources from which wisdom is promised, but only the God who made us, loves us, and to whom we must give an account provides unshakable truth. The local church that is grounded in God’s Word will provide wisdom through the maze of life. “The grass withers and the flower falls, but the Word of the Lord remains forever” (1 Peter 1:24-25).

It is unfortunate that so many graduates who once were so active in their local church will dismiss the fellowship of the body of Christ. However, it is not uncommon. Church attendance research proves that a high percentage of students involved in the local church as teens will leave this practice upon graduation, perhaps never to return. This should not surprise us, for Jesus did not mince His words in declaring that the way to destruction is wide and easy, while the way to life is narrow and hard (Matthew 7:13-14). But this trend should disturb us. The church must embrace such Christian conviction that the upcoming generations clearly observe and experience a faith that is genuine. Of course, some students will remain steadfast in faithfulness to the local church. By such, their pursuit of Christ will surpass all others. And just like the believers of old, by faithfully serving in the local body of Christ, they will live in such a manner that even the world is not worthy of them (Hebrews 11:38).

Jason