If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:2-3

One of the last classes I took at Rider University before graduating in 2008 was a class called Leadership. In that class, the professor taught that the first rule of leadership is to first lead yourself. Then, motivate yourself to make a difference in this world; MAD. You make a difference by helping (serving is also a form of leading) others grow. If there isn't growth, there isn't leadership.
 
As Christians, our strongest testimony for God is a reflection of God's love in our lives. Above all else, we are called to love. In order for us to love in this manner, we must allow Jesus' love to flow through us. Love can do no good if it is kept bottled up; it is meant to be shared and poured out on every area of our life. In the bottle, love grows stale and stagnant. Poured out, it becomes a living, thriving light that draws people to God. Poured out, we will make a difference.
 
There will be setbacks in our attempt to make a difference. There are many things in this life that will distract, frustrate, hurt, and irritate us. To get past these times, spend quiet time with our Savior through his Word, learning to understand His heart and being a vessel of His love. We may be mistreated, but as Jesus Christ said while hanging on the cross, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." He was the greatest example of love - can we do any less?
 
God's kind of love must start within our heart and then our home. It can then be carried into our community and congregation by what we do for others; making a difference. He has called us to lead -- to Make a Difference!

Dear Heavenly Father: Thank you for loving so much that you sent your son Jesus to die for our sins. He taught us to love and serve our brothers and sisters and how to make a difference. Continue to fill our hearts with love. May it pour out to those we meet and make a difference! In Jesus' name, Amen.

Contributed by Richard
Sunday June 20, 2010
Week 30 of Liturgical Year C
Sunday Gospel reading:
Lectionary 12 (Proper 7)
Fourth Sunday after Pentecost