Do you want a chance to change the world?
In Apple Confidential the author tells the story of Steve Jobs’ pursuit and interaction with John Scully (then CEO of PEPSICO). Jobs and Scully discussed the opportunity of joining the Apple team for a little while and then Jobs lays out a challenge. He said, “Do you want to spend the rest of your life selling sugared water, or do you want a chance to change the world?”
Jesus asked his disciples basically the same question when he asked if they were willing to “Come follow me.” The disciples threw down whatever they were doing – fishing, collecting taxes, building stuff – and followed him for a chance to change the world. They did not fully understand what that meant when they started out in their new venture. However, along the way they were so convinced of the product they were selling they were willing to die to for it.
We are told that Jesus came into the world so that we might “have life and have it to the full” (John 10:10b). I see two parts to this promise. The first is the promise of an eternal, spiritual life through Jesus’ death on the cross. The second is a life now that has meaning and purpose beyond just the mundane of everyday. If Jesus is our model for living the answer could be found in examining his life & habits. Let’s see…he prayed on a regular basis, studied the bible, went to the Temple, participated in a small group, mentored a few people, and did ministry according to his passions & gifts. Does that sound radical?
What about his disciples? If they modeled their life after Jesus what did they do? I mean, maybe Jesus offered them some keen insight to them before he died. Well, they prayed on a regular basis, studied the bible, went to Temple and house churches, participated in small groups, mentored people, and did ministry according to their passions & gifts. That doesn’t sound too radical either? 
It could be “hidden” in Jesus’ words when he said, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and the gospel will save it” (Mark 8:34-35). What does Jesus mean? I think he is saying that the “full life” comes from pursuing him and giving your life (what people have a tendency to call life – my comfort, convenience, etc.) away in the pursuit of seeing others see Jesus through our us.
Maybe another way to put it is, “Is there enough evidence (less of you and more of Jesus) to convict you of being a disciple of Jesus” (James 2:14-26)?
What will history write about you? He/She had a chance to change the world? Or will history have to add the infamous “but” to the lost opportunities?
Do you want to spend the rest of your life __________________________, or do you want a chance to change the world?
