I believe most Christians want to make a difference in the world. The difficulty is how to do that in practical, real ways that we can all do. So, I thought I would share five ideas that are doable and that will change lives. They will change your life, the lives of your family, and the lives of people in your world in ways you may not have imagined. But I want to be clear: these require great faith, love, and courage. They involve time, energy, and resources. They are simple but not easy.

So here are five things you can do to change lives forever.

1. Have your neighbors, coworkers, or classmates over for a meal. Just pick a family out of your world and host them in your home.

2. Learn their story. Ask about their life. Ask about their upbringing, family, work, hopes, and dreams.

3. Ask if you can pray for them. Then do it. Ask what you can specifically pray for.

4. When you get a chance to tell your story, mention Jesus a lot. You know, because you are a believer. Jesus is a key part of your marriage, your work, your parenting, your life.

5. Ask if you can share more overtly what Jesus has done for you. Follow up by inviting them to get together and share Jesus stories. Keep telling stories. Invite them to worship. Encourage them to decide to follow Jesus. Baptize them. Live in community.

Number five could involve many more actions, depending on your personality and context, but you get the idea. Doing this will change your life and the life of your family. You and your kids will become disciple makers. It will change the lives of those you bring to Jesus. Which will change your world.

Repeat.

Until Jesus comes again.