The Difference One Person Makes

An old proverb says, "One generation plants the tree; the next enjoys its shade."

If you enjoy the refreshing "shade" of salvation, who planted the gospel seed in your heart? Can you trace your spiritual roots back to the person who first told you or your family about Christ?

In my family's case, it was an evangelist who traveled through southern Ohio in the 1800s. His preaching gripped the soul of my great-grandfather, Frank Faust. Soon Frank himself became a preacher who touched many lives by preaching sermons, planting churches, and performing countless weddings and funerals. I'm grateful that my parents brought me up to know the Lord. But I also owe a debt of gratitude to that unknown preacher who brought the good news of Christ to my great-grandfather a century and a half ago.

Who can measure the impact of even one changed life? Consider how the world was changed because Saul of Tarsus became a Christian. What about people like the Ethiopian eunuch—one man Philip led to Christ on a desert road—who "went on his way rejoicing" (Acts 8:39) and no doubt told his countrymen about the Lord when he returned home?

Who can measure the kingdom impact of those visionary souls who have pioneered in mission works or founded Christian colleges and campus ministries, crisis pregnancy centers and children's homes? Who knows what fruit will be borne for eternity by the child you taught this summer in VBS, or the teen you befriended at church camp? Who knows how many generations eventually will know the Lord because you bothered to take the gospel to your friend at work or your neighbor next door? (And who knows how many will be lost if you don't?) Who knows how many multitudes may come to Christ through the influence of that one repentant sinner who stands dripping wet in the baptistry with the newfound joy of the Lord written on his face?

God knows. And even if no one else notices, that's all that really matters.