He appointed twelve, that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach. - Mark 3:14

The climax of the United States Declaration of Independence is not the glowing words, "We hold these truths to be self-evident." It is the list of names at the end of the document - men who were willing to stake their fortunes, their sacred honor, and their lives on a few convictions that changed the world.

Jesus changed the world with a few who were willing to die for what they believed. He began with only 12 men whom He chose to be with Him. These individuals were special because they learned from Him in person and He sent them out with the good news of the gospel. They were called apostles.

But God's plan for ministry was not limited to the apostles; it also included a larger group the New Testament calls disciples. They were the multitude of listeners and learners, men and women who heard Jesus gladly. Some were just inquirers and followed Him for a few weeks. Others accepted His instruction and put it into practice, and they, along with the apostles, were the ones He used to change the world.

God's method is still to use people - people who are willing to be His instruments for change in the world. Are you one of them?

-HWR

God uses us when we desire
To see a change in people's lives;
And when we love and follow Christ,
Our love for others grows and thrives.

-Sper

It doesn't take great people to do great things - just unselfish ones.