God wants us to be like Jesus, the saviour of the world. In 1 John 4:14, the Bible says Jesus was sent to be the saviour of the world and v 17 says as he is so we are in this world. God saved you with the intention that you will be instrumental in saving others. He wants you to win others to him (2 Cor.5:18) and be a solution to the problems of people wherever you are.
Saviours usually have a higher level of consecration compared to others. They do not allow their lives to be defiled because they know that sin will disqualify them from fulfilling their destinies. For example, Noah, Joseph and Daniel consecrated themselves to God in their generations and became saviours. (Gen 6:9, Gen 39:7-9, Daniel 6:10). Saviours usually live selfless lives, making huge sacrifices for people in order to solve their problems and achieve God’s purpose (Dan 2:49, Deut 32:48-49, 33:1). In spite of these sacrifices, they are usually humble and don’t take God’s glory (Dan 2:28, Gen 41:16).
Are you a saviour? Maybe you have checked the characteristics mentioned above in your life and they are not there fully, then you should study the following steps to develop a saviour’s heart.
First, learn to stay in God’s presence longer than in the past so that there is enough time to allow him to rub his nature on you. As you behold his face, the Holy Spirit changes you into his likeness, his nature. (2 Cor. 3:18). Look for people with those characteristics above and make them your friends; you will soon start behaving like a saviour. He that walks with the wise shall be wise but the companions of fools shall be destroyed. Your association will determine your attitude and actions.
Moreover, you should get ready to lay down your life totally. There’s hardly any great destiny that will not involve a level of sacrifice. In fact, the experience may look like you are losing your ‘life’. It may seem as if you are losing an opportunity to be wealthy, to be known, to get more education etc. but God will surely pay you back. When Jesus came to this world as a man, he was denied of the glory of being God for thirty-three (33) years. He seemed to have lost his reputation but after completing the assignment, he was anointed above his fellows (Heb 1:9). In the same way, though you may have to lay down a lot at the beginning, the Almighty God, the maker of heaven and earth will reward you abundantly even here on earth apart from the glory in heaven.
Sometimes, some people are willing to act but don’t know exactly what to do. You may need to study Christianity widely and study people, you will see needs all around you. Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit and don’t be narrow-minded. Be genuinely concerned about others in spite of your own challenges and be ready to give (James 2:14-17). Before long you will know what God wants you to do as a saviour in your world.
Remember that you cannot achieve anything worthwhile without faith because you will always need God to do what he wants you to do. You must see Him as your source and help. Study the word and meditate on it to develop your faith in different aspects of life. Be courageous, dare to do what no one has ever done as long as you are convinced that the Holy Spirit is directing you to do so.
You cannot fix all the problems around you, therefore find out the ones you are burdened about. Jesus knew the specific problem he came to solve and he focused on it. You also have to know the problem you are destined to solve and begin to do it. I trained as a medical practitioner but over the years I realized that the main burden on my heart is ‘Knowledge’ therefore I decided to specialize in Community health which involves a lot of health education. Today I am a University lecturer, author, conference speaker and more importantly a teacher of the bible.
Conclusion:
Jesus contributed his quota to his immediate family, extended family, the nation, and the entire human race. Several generations to come will benefit from his sacrificial life. There are many people around you who need food, dresses, shoes, shelter, money, understanding of God’s word, pastoral care etc. Even those who seem to have attained it all may need your physical support or love. Stop procrastinating, start being a saviour today, and you will see the hand of God on your life.