The Disillusion of Being a World Changer

 By: Lauren Thomas

I’m noticing a trend with people my age who were raised in church: disillusionment. They went to youth group and conventions where they were told by pastors and leaders and parents that they would change the world. Many who grew up with this message set their expectations high for what their adult lives would look like. They imagined the accolades they would receive, the opportunities that would come their way, the influence they would hold.

Now, they feel disappointed. They didn’t change the world. They didn’t get what they wanted out of life.

 

As it turns out, being a world-changer is a heavy burden, and maybe one we were never meant to carry.

Ever heard of “headline stress disorder”? Psychologists are beginning to identify, study, and track the anxiety that is produced by seeing news of problems across the globe and feeling powerless to do anything about it.

 

If all of us Christian young people were supposed to be world-changers. Why isn’t the world changing and why do we feel stressed about it?

 

Two significant problems with the world-changer message: 1) it focuses on the individual, not Jesus, and 2) it isn’t biblical. Jesus is the only one who can change the world. And nowhere in Scripture do I see Him telling us to do that. The only passage that comes close is Matthew 28:19-20, the Great Commission, in which Jesus tells us to make disciples of nations in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He says nothing about changing the world in our own name. In fact, 1 Thessalonians 4:11 literally instructs us to make it our ambition to live a quiet life, to work, and to mind our own business.

 

Does this mean our response should be passivity? No.

 

If you drop a rock into a pool of water, you will notice concentric circles rippling outward. This is a picture of how God uses us to effect change. Like the first concentric circle, our efforts at “changing the world” should begin right where we are, in our homes, in our families. The people that we disciple, in turn, disciple others. We effect change in our homes, in our jobs. Those touched go on to impact others. We don’t get recognition for it. God does.

 

If you have felt this disillusionment, I wish I could reach through this screen and take it away. I’m sorry you were given a human-centered, unbiblical message. The best thing for you is to refocus on God and what His Word says. Next, know that God is mighty, and His power can work in you in incredible ways for incredible purposes. Just remember the ripple-effect. Start where you are. And don’t despise the “small” things. Finally, know that Jesus will take care of the world, you don’t have to.

 

Instead of being a disillusioned generation, let’s be a generation that seeks the face of God, that gives Him glory, and that recognizes that the world is in His hands.

 

The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof,
    the world and those who dwell therein,
² for he has founded it upon the seas
    and established it upon the rivers.

³ Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?
    And who shall stand in his holy place?
⁴ He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
    who does not lift up his soul to what is false
    and does not swear deceitfully.
⁵ He will receive blessing from the Lord
    and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
⁶ Such is the generation of those who seek him,
    who seek the face of the God of Jacob. Selah

Psalm 24:1-6

 

Reflection:

Did you grow up with the world-changer message? How did that work for you? Do you relate to the term “headline stress disorder”? How does Psalm 24:1-6 provide a counter to the disillusionment addressed here?