Tipping Points

As Christians, we should all want to be tipping points for others to come to Christ Jesus. I can think of no higher calling, no greater joy, no bigger lasting achievement.

Through a word, a deal, a statement, an act, or just a complete gospel presentation, we can help a person over that last hurdle or obstacle before they say, “Yes,” to Jesus.

Living out the gospel in life is a team sport. We all play bit parts, such as speaking a word or doing the right thing in a difficult situation. These little parts sometimes spur someone to say, “Yes,” to Christ as Savior and Lord. In this way, we are positive tipping points.

But we could also tip someone in the other direction. If we fail to live out the gospel by taking on attitudes unlike Christ’s, we can push someone to finally say, “No,” to Jesus. We’ve all heard those stories.

Living out the reality of God’s presence is a huge issue today. Believers are taught to die to self so we can live to Christ, but often our values are the same as the unbeliever in other areas, such as money, power, control, and reputation.

When we match up that way, why would unbelievers want a Savior?

No matter how you look at it, the love of Jesus will lose its impact through us if we have more love for ourselves than the people Jesus wants to reach.

Jesus cannot just be something that I add into my life now to cover me in the afterlife. He must be a part of my life every day and in every situation. If we were truly living as Jesus did and willing to lay down our lives for those around us, we might see a real revival.

The truth is that the only heart I can change is my own. It’s so hard to give up self and truly believe I gain life that will completely satisfy. For this reason, we need to encourage each other by walking our paths together for the sake of Jesus’ name and the gospel. That’s the only way to be positive tipping points in matters of lasting value.

Paul illustrates for us the value of our works in 1 Corinthians.

"For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames." -1 Corinthians 3:11-15

Let’s go for the gold in life and be God’s tipping point in our thoughts, words, and deeds today. I can assure you there will be no regret because blessings abound in following Jesus.

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