I know it sounds strange today, but there was a time when many towns across our country had a public square with a platform where people could voice their opinions and debate each other on any issue without anyone being offended or hateful. I’ve heard about one occasion when an atheist and a Christian minister agreed to take to the platform to express their very different points of view. The atheist went first and during his description of the humanistic utopia of Communism, he pointed to a homeless man and confidently stated, “Communism would put a new suit of clothes on that man.” When he was finished, the minister took the platform and pointing to that same man with even stronger conviction he declared, “Christianity would put a new man in those old, worn clothes.” Then he proclaimed the transforming Gospel of Jesus Christ, reading verse after verse from his worn Bible. Mankind seeks to improve their environment and living conditions, but God seeks to improve and transform mankind one person at a time.
I once heard a member of a Southern Gospel singing group describe an experience she had on the road. They were eating dinner at a restaurant after one of their concert appearances. A local reporter recognized them and came over to ask them some questions. He asked, “What makes your music different from other forms of music?” She responded, “The words of our songs can change peoples’ lives. I don’t know of any other music that can do that.” She then told him about a man who attended one of their performances. One song in particular touched his heart and he determined to find his long lost son. When he found him, they were able to begin a new relationship with each other that blessed and enriched both of their lives. She would be the first to tell you that Christian lyrics are not as powerful as God’s word, but they are very powerful because of God’s word.
Every Christian has a powerful story of transformation and redemption. A story that God wants us to share with others. There is nothing more powerful than the testimony of a person whom God has transformed. He changes lives every day, but He does it personally and individually. He knows and loves each of us more than we can ever fully comprehend. He has a special plan for each of us to follow that fits our abilities and our needs perfectly. No power on earth or in the spiritual world can separate us from His transforming love.