One Person's Actions

Haiku Prayer

What can one person do?

Therefore just as one man's trespass led to condemnation for all, so one man's act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all. - Romans 5:18

In today's epistle from Paul, we are told of the actions of two men, Adam and Jesus.

The first of humanity brought sin into the world and the second brought salvation.

The first represents all of us acting on our own behalf, seeking rewards for ourselves, rather than for others.

While the second represents a sacrifice for all, a giving of all for others.

So, I would argue that we are not justified in simply believing we are saved through Christ, but we are invited to be like him, giving of ourselves for others.

The way I interpret the radical change in direction of mankind is this.  Jesus came to shift our focus from inward to outward, from what I can do for myself to what I can do for all.

And here is the amazing part.  Even though I am one, I can touch many, and each of them can as well, so what we do is multiplied.

That doesn't happen when we act selfishly.  When we take for ourselves, we may hurt one or a few, but the benefit rests with one.  When we give, we affect many and may start a chain reaction of good.

Jesus did not take away sin, but instead gave us a way to counter it, and that is a powerful thing.

One person's actions can make a big difference.  That is what I believe we are called to do when we say we are followers of Christ.

So, let's get out there and make a difference.

More to come...