What will you give the world in 2023? Live the change you'd like to see

Where is the world headed in 2023?

This is an interesting thing to consider. We all have things we would love to see change in the year ahead. Using history as a guide, the big picture is often guided by forces beyond our control because we have little to no power to affect them beyond hoping and praying for change.

We are often left frustrated by the things we witness. Many of us feel as though we understand how to make things better, how to make a positive change. Yet "things" may change greatly, but they change little for us as individuals.

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This can feel hopeless, and has led many to feeling discouraged in recent years. It is frustrating to want without satisfaction.

I would like to point you to some helpful guidance for the year ahead, it comes from the Bible.

Jesus said (Matthew 7:24 ESV), "Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on a rock."

Jesus points us to the truth that our lives, our choices do make a difference. This is good news for everyone who truly desires things to be better.

Your belief, wisdom, and understanding may be true, but they only come to life through action. So what will you do?

Focus on what you can do in 2023, and do it with your whole heart

I encourage you to limit yourself this year to focusing only on what you can do, but doing it with your whole heart. Put your hope for change into action. Make your life an example of what you hope for the world.

If you believe the world needs to be kinder, be kind.

If you believe the world needs more generosity, give more.

If you believe the world needs more faith, practice your faith more.

If you do this you can be sure things will be different.

God's wisdom often flies in the face of our intuitions. Every commandment God gives is directed to the hearer, "thou shalt."

We often simply repeat this to others, but God never says "they must." Take him seriously, remember that he is guiding you to live, choose, and act.

When we live in the wisdom of his word our reality will always change. You may find that the world has changed little, but your world, your life will be very different.

Hopelessness and frustration fall away when we see up close the change that we once prayed to see from a distance.

Here's to 2023, I believe it will be filled with incredible things for everyone who gives life to the good that is within their grasp.

The Rev. Kevin McClain is the pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church.

This article originally appeared on Ashland Times Gazette: In 2023, focus on what you can do to make the world a better place