The Power of One

“The world has yet to see what God can do with a man fully consecrated to him. By God’s help, I aim to be that man.”

 

Those words are most frequently attributed to Dwight L. Moody.  They were, in fact, first uttered by British revivalist Henry Varley, in a conversation with D. L. Moody.  Those words had a profound effect on Moody, and on many who have come after him.  Indeed, one man (or woman), fully committed to God, can have a profound impact.  That's the power of one.

 

We have many examples of men and women who have been fully committed to God and who have made a significant impact in the world.

 

Fifty years ago, one woman believed that faith did not need to be checked at the door in order to operate a successful business.  She believed that business could be conducted using the words of Jesus as standard operating procedure:  "Do to others what you would like them to do to you."  (Matthew 7:12 NLT).  In other words, treat people the way you would like to be treated.  That became the foundation stone of a business that is now at the very top of the cosmetics industry.  Mary Kay Ash made a difference.  She illustrates the power of one.  In fact, the company's motto for their 50th anniversary is "One Woman Can". 

 

One woman can make a difference.  On man can make a difference.

 

We know the name Dwight L. Moody today because he was challenged by the words of one man, Henry Varley.  Henry Varley made a difference in the life of Dwight L. Moody.  And because he did, Dwight L. Moody had an impact on countless numbers of people.  The power of one.

 

There are many other names we know because they committed themselves completely to be all that God intended them to be.  To make a difference for His kingdom.

 

Billy Graham.  Mother Teresa.  The Apostle Paul.  Queen Esther.  The list could go on.

 

And you could name individuals as well.  People who have made a difference in your life.  The world may not know their name.  But you do.  Because that person made a difference to you.

 

Maybe it was a parent or grandparent who faithfully prayed for you.  Who led you to Christ.  A Sunday School teacher who taught you about Jesus.  A school teacher who challenged you to always be your best, to always give your best effort.

 

What about you?  What about me? 

 

What are we doing to make a difference?

 

To proclaim truth?

 

To share Jesus?

 

To display God to the world?

 

To display God to our neighborhood?

 

To display God to our family?

 

To be a man or woman "fully consecrated to Him"?

 

 "I am only one, but still I am one.

I cannot do everything, but still I can do something;

 And because I cannot do everything,

I will not refuse to do the something that I can do."

-Helen Keller