We all want to make a difference in this world and we hope that 2017 will be the year that takes us one step closer. Instead of attempting (and yet again failing) to change the world, what if we focused on changing the world of one individual? Andy Stanley put it best when he challenged the church to, “Do for one what you wish you could do for everyone.” This year really can be the year that you make a difference! I want to challenge you to complete one of the following tasks to practice doing for one what you wish you could do for everyone.

Give time to one person in need.  It’s not possible for you to sit and talk with every elderly person in the nursing home. You can’t attend every child’s baseball game in your small group. You don’t have the margin to pray with everyone before they begin chemo. But this year it would be possible for you to give your time to one person going through a hard time. Decide today who this one person is, and commit to doing for that one. 

Give a special gift to one organization. Maybe your gift is making the commitment to serving every week with the kids at church. Maybe you cut out specialty coffee, and commit that extra money to a missionary. Or maybe you can do for one organization this year by pulling out your checkbook and making someone’s dreams a reality. Find an organization that you believe in and make it better this year.

Share a Bible verse with one stranger. Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.” Take the time to memorize an encouraging verse and be prepared to share that verse this year. Ask God to lead you to the right person and then find the boldness to speak God’s truth.

Share your faith with one person. LifeWay Research found that 78% of churchgoers have not shared their faith with anyone over the past 6 months. 59% say they failed to invite anyone to church during that same time. You might not be the next Billy Graham, but God has placed you in a specific place this year to make a kingdom difference. Begin now by selecting and praying for an individual. Make 2017 the year that you share your faith with that one person.

Make this the year that you make a difference in someone’s life. 2017 really can be the year that you change the world. Write down your goal and place it somewhere you see every day. Commit to leaving it there until you have completed the task!