Malcolm Gladwell’s new book, Outliers, is about the “markedly different” profile of “successful” people. The book, interesting as it is, evaluates the nature of success and how achievers make it to the top. His basic question which he seeks an answer for is, “How are they so different?” His finding? In short, “Its complicated”. The book has me thinking about what it means to be “utterly different”. As I was ingesting my daily does of bad news on CNN this morning, and following right on the heels of the latest layoff numbers (some 20,000 plus today alone), I was struck as a commercial ran, advertising a product which promised to “change your life”. What was so striking about the ad was the juxtaposition of this promise in light of the vast numbers of people losing wealth, homes, jobs, and hope in this country at this time. The ad, after lots of glossy and high impact visuals, suggested that this product, bought during this Christmas season, would indeed, “change your life”. The product, a gigantic plasma television, while the dream of every guy, does not quite strike me as a life changer, however. If indeed it were, then we should all go out and buy a house full of them. It seemed a crass offering coming on the heels of so much desperate need being highlighted just seconds before on the news. They may just well have said, “Lost your job? …buy a TV!” or “Lost your home? …buy a bigger TV”… or something like that. It does not quite work for me.After giving a bit of thought lately to the need in our culture for something that would indeed bring change, I stumbled upon a passage in the New Testament, one which I have read many times before, but which had not struck me as it does at this time. At a moment in our culture when “change” seems to be the word most referenced by politicians, leaders, and crisis managers, I wonder if anyone really has that thing we need which will actually effect change.John 7:37,38 offers us, I believe, the change agent every human being and every culture must embrace if lasting change is to be really had. After days of teaching and many intense discussions with the leaders of the day over his message and miracles, Jesus speaks to the needy onlookers who had recently witnessed His “trick” of feeding thousands with very little. Those in need are now mesmerized by this guy’s ability to give them stuff, physical stuff they really need. That being so, they are all ears when He speaks. They want to hear Him say, “Here is another TV!”Feeling like those watching and listening need to see beyond the felt needs they have, and sensing the need to see into the spiritual sphere, Jesus speaks. He says to those who are in such need that only a metaphor will do, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, the scripture says, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water’”. What is striking to me about this passage is the “quantifiable difference” which is highlighted. Without saying it, He says it. Those who are so desperate for some kind of change that their life is dry, parched, and without the most basic of needs being quenched, can actually be so transformed that life can feel utterly different. Jesus is suggesting that anyone who craves change, real change, can find an Outlier experience in a relationship with Him. He can take a person from spiritual famine, from soul deprivation, into a life of overflowing abundance and satisfaction. He can truly change one’s life. Unlike a plasma TV, a new toy, a new relationship, a different house or anything else physical, Jesus alone provides for that internal “differentiation” we all ultimately crave. As we go about this season of gift buying, getting, and giving, let’s be keenly aware of that which really makes a difference in our lives and in the lives of others. Let’s offer ourselves, our families, and others something beyond the norm this year. Buy a gift, make a gift, offer yourself in ways which transcend the routine and point toward a special difference, a superior quality of life. At a moment in our cultural life in which many are all ears, let’s offer the hope found in the One who offers an internal Outlier experience. Jesus, the One who came some 2,000 years ago remains relevant, active, and interested in us today. He is our change agent.Bruce Smithoptimuslife.org
5. December 2008 at 07:42
Well stated. Big Al