October 12, 2026

3 hours ago

5 min read

Makin’ A Difference

Over time, the verb “make” has evolved from a word indicating basic action to forming numerous idiomatic expressions representing success, survival, and other activities. For example, “making ends meet” means having enough income to meet all needs/pay all the bills, and “making money” means earning it.

In the southern half of the country, many people dropped the “g” and shortened “making” to “makin,” as in “makin’ ends meet.” Southerners actually drop the “g” in many words, such as eatin’, goin’, learnin’, etc. Southern Ohio, where I was raised, was overtaken by Kentucky and West Virginia, so I, too, say “makin’.” (Southerners actually adapted much of the English language to their tastes, makin’ it much more user-friendly.)

Here are a few more “makin” phrases:

“makin’ a fuss” means to complain profusely
“makin’ off with” means stealing
“makin’ good time” means one is right on schedule, or perhaps even ahead of schedule
“makin’ it work” means one is adapting to a situation, using whatever is at their disposal
“makin’ it worse” means you’re really messin’ up
“makin’ it plain” means tellin’ it like it is

Now that you northerners are educated on the fact that “makin’ - the correct spelling of this verb - has various uses, we can discuss a couple of truly significant ones. (We’re makin’ progress.)

During the last great national and international outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the primary goal of Christians became “makin’ it to heaven.” Many Christians began their relationship with God based on this goal; I certainly did. It’s a worthy goal, by the way. Spending eternity in heaven, rather than hell, should be on every person’s bucket list! And the first question Christian’s were taught to ask when evangelizing someone back then was, “Do you know for certain where you will spend eternity when you die?”

This was the bait. Unfortunately, baiting people with the prospect of going to heaven rather than hell often led to a “what’s in it for me?” gospel message. Biblical repentance, making Jesus the Lord of our life, taking up our cross daily, and following Him were often left out. The exaltation of “self” at Adam’s fall - our knowledge above God’s, our will and desires above His - isn’t adequately addressed in this incomplete gospel. That’s why it resulted in many ministries focusing more on makin’ it big than on promoting the Kingdom of God. Nevertheless, makin’ it to heaven is a worthwhile goal.

Another important goal that fell by the wayside through this inadequate message was “makin’ a difference” right here on earth. Heaven was simply a future goal, not something we could bring to earth. “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10) somehow failed to compute. Christ’s analogy of being the “salt” of the earth (Matthew 5:13) meant being a good enough person to give others an appetite for heaven, not being a preserver of godliness here on earth. Being a “light” (same verse) meant pointing people toward heaven, not releasing the enlightenment of truth, enabling them to implement God’s life-giving Kingdom principles right here on earth. In short, we Christians tolerated and avoided the culture around us, rather than changing and shaping it.

But a constant defensive mindset eventually fails. It erodes the ability to withstand the opposition. Professional football teams talk about “keeping the opponent’s defense on the field”; they know this will wear down the defense. The same is true with societies and cultures. Jesus didn’t say “hold the fort till I get back.” He said, “occupy until I come” (Luke 19:13). Since He said to pray for the release of His Kingdom and will here on earth, then they can be experienced on earth.

My life became complete when I transitioned from makin’ it to heaven and makin’ it big, to makin’ a difference. Don’t waste your life living in the incredibly small world of “self.” There is so much more available. Find out why your Creator created you, why you were born at “such a time as this,” and partner with Him to “make” history.

One of my all-time favorite songs is "History Maker," written by Martin Smith and recorded by the worship band Delirious. Here are some of the words:

“Is it true today That when people pray Cloudless skies will break Kings and queens will shake Yes it's true And I believe it I'm living for you

“Is it true today That when people pray We'll see dead men rise And the blind set free Yes it's true And I believe it I'm living for you

“Well, it's true today That when people stand With the fire of God And the truth in hand We'll see miracles We'll see angels sing We'll see broken hearts Making history Yes, it's true And I believe it

“We're living for You”(1)(2)

Make some history with Jesus today!

Pray with me:

Father, remind believers today that they are called to be difference-makers. Help those who have not yet discovered this, break out of their self-imposed limitations and small dreams. Impart revelation of Your audacious plan to partner with humans, filling them with Your Spirit and enabling them to represent You on earth. Encourage them by assuring them of their great worth to You.

And as Your ambassadors here, we pray for the ongoing transformation of America. Send the fullness of revival and the Third Great Awakening. Lift the veil of darkness, rend the heavens, and COME DOWN! Clean up our government, reform our schools, and let the fires of revival burn in our streets and homes. We bind opposing demonic forces in Jesus’ name.

We pray also for the increase of the “cloud the size of a man’s hand” in the Middle East. Like Elijah, we have heard You speak of rain, and we can hear the sound. Unlock the heavens over Iran and that entire region. Your Kingdom come, Your will be done! And there, too, we bind every spiritual force of opposition in Yeshua’s name.

Father, again today we ask You to involve Yourself in America’s upcoming midterm elections. We realize You aren’t political, but You are very governmental. It matters greatly to You who holds positions of power. We ask You to give wise, fruit-bearing strategies to those promoting righteous candidates. Give the candidates themselves wisdom and understanding. Cause candidates who promote evil to be exposed, make mistakes, and find disfavor with voters. Give us a breakthrough, we pray, in Jesus’ name.

We pray and declare all this in the all-powerful name of King Jesus. Amen.