Changing the World, Changing Me

I am the vine, and you are the branches. If you stay joined to me, and I stay joined to you, then you will produce lots of fruit. But you cannot do anything without me.

John 15:5 (CEV)

What would a perfect world look like to you? The Hunger Games movie and Wanda Vision streaming series explore the idea of a utopian society, which means a perfect society (as if that can exist). The downfall portrayed in all of them is that, to obtain this perfection, there is a lack of freedom. Throughout history we’ve tried repeatedly to regulate people into doing what’s right, often with devastating effects.

To see lasting positive changes in our world, people must want to do good and care for each other. The best motivator to change behavior is love. And the best teacher of how to love is Jesus himself. He is a perfect example of how to love others and he’s also the only one who can change someone’s heart. In fact, Jesus can change your life, your friends’ lives, your community, your nation, and your world.

So, you want to change the world? Get close to Jesus. Let him change you. Read his word and do what it says. Talk to God daily through prayer. Like this week’s Scripture says, this is how you, the branch, can stay connected to Jesus, the vine.

You’ll have to wait for heaven to experience true utopia and perfection. But while you’re here on this earth, let his perfect love shine through you and he will use you to do great things!

SPIRITUAL FITNESS TRAINING

As a teenager, your schedule is busy. It’s hard to find time to fit everything in sometimes. This week, make a focused effort to find time to connect with Jesus. Below are three ideas you can try. Just choose one this week. A small change can make a big difference! Then write down how it felt to get closer to God this week.

• Set your alarm clock 10 minutes earlier in the morning. While eating breakfast, read a Bible passage and then talk to God about what you read.
• While on the school bus or driving to sports practice, put in your headphones and listen to a chapter of the Bible read aloud.
• In the evening, switch the TV off early. Look up one of the verses in the “Keep It Going” section. Think about the verse and write down what it means to you.

INSPIRATION

“Prayer is important. It’s the cornerstone of our relationship with God, our private time with the creator.”

--DeVon Franklin, American Hollywood producer of faith-based films including Miracles from Heaven and Heaven is for Real

KEEP IT GOING

Related passages: These additional verses will help you expand Scriptural knowledge and place on the armor of God’s Word to tackle each day. Swipe to read the passages today.

Psalm 51:10

Ezekiel 36:26–27

John 15:13

1 Corinthians 13:3

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This devotional was written by Tonia Gutting for the Hero Squad Program of the American Bible Society. Hero Squad provides complimentary faith-based resources to strengthen and encourage Military families through God’s Word. For more information or to enroll your Military family, check out our website.www.myherosquad.org.