We sometimes sing a song entitled, “This World Is Not My Home.” It is a good song. Hopefully, when we sing it, we really mean it. While we do not want to become too attached to this world, there is nothing wrong with wanting to make it a better place. In the end, this world will always be dominated by sin, but we can still be a good influence on others while we live in it. After all, Jesus said we are to be the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13).

How can we make the world a better place? Simply living by the gospel of Christ will help a lot. However, in Romans twelve, Paul gives us more specific instructions.

Romans 12:14, 17, 19-21 (ESV)
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them…17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all…19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

These verses are contrary to the way of the world. They set forth behavior that is unnatural to most. The natural inclination of the flesh is to strike back when it is assaulted, but will that ever make the world a better place? One look at world history and you know the answer to that question. Most of the wars that have taken place over the years have not been just, but have been initiated by either vengeance or greed, and most often the former.

Wars and rumors of wars are going to continue. But, think about the inspired words of Paul on a smaller scale. Think of how we can make the world a better place by just applying his teachings to our individual lives. Notice again ver. 14.

“Bless those who persecute you…” The word “bless” is from the Greek eulogeō, meaning, “to speak well of.” (Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary). Are you willing to do this? It is not easy to speak well of someone who has treated you poorly, but if you are willing to do so, it changes the direction of the relationship completely. It erases hostility, and the need for “payback,” and opens the door to reconciliation.

Apply this to a co-worker who has not been too nice to you. The office will probably be a more pleasant place to work because your behavior not only changes you, it could very well have a positive impact upon your co-worker, causing him or her to treat you better. Rather than perpetuating the unpleasant environment of your workplace, you will have made the world a better place, at least the world where you work, overcoming evil with good.

Let us apply the teachings of Paul to our lives in general, never seeking revenge, but, instead, helping our enemies when they are in need. Maybe such behavior will not have a global impact, but it will sure make the part of the world in which we live a better place.

As you wind down for the night, think about these things.