Scripture: Matthew 4:23-25; 8:25-27; 11:2-6; 12:22, 23; Acts 3:19-21.

The conversation between two college students this week went something like this:

Mr. Senior: I just realized that I only have one more week of classes. I’ve been in school since I was six years old so always have known what I’ll do the next year.

Mr. Junior:  You are lucky. I can’t wait to get out of school.

Mr. Senior: Maybe…maybe not. Actually I’m kinda worried about next year already.

Mr. Junior:  What are you going to do for work?

Mr. Senior: That’s just the problem. When you graduate you’re suppose to know what you are going to do after that. I need to do something to make money but I haven’t figured out what that is yet.

Mr. Senior just might need to watch a You Tube video clip entitled The Art of the Start. Guy Kawasaki, former fellow at Apple Computers, now author, trainer and successful entrepreneur would tell Mr. Senior that he needs to find work in an organization that makes meaning. Only then will he make money. If he starts out with the intent to work just to make money he probably won’t make meaning OR money.

Kawasaki’s perspective is that the core of a successful organization is to make meaning. Organizations that are fundamentally founded to change the world, to make the world a better place, to make meaning are the organizations that make a difference. As their employees increase the quality of life of others the organizations grow and the employees make money. 1

The Messiah practiced the principle of making meaning long before Guy Kawasaki was born or wrote the book Art of the Start. Kawasaki may walk his talk but the fact is Guy has made money by teaching Kingdom principles!

In our Bible Study this week we see Jesus making meaning for the entire 3 ½ years of his adult ministry on planet earth. If we were to write a curriculum vitae of Jesus’ work experience it would include, but not be limited to, the following accomplishments:

Jesus healed a man with leprosy.

Jesus healed a centurion’s sick servant without even being near him.

Jesus calmed a storm with a voice command.

Jesus drove evil spirits out of the humans they possessed.

Jesus cured a woman who had a bleeding issue.

Jesus raised a dead little girl and a dead grown man back to life.

Jesus gave sight to the blind and restored hearing to the deaf.

Jesus forgave people’s sins.

Jesus told stories people could understand.

Jesus attracted great crowds of people everywhere.

Jesus straightened a withered hand.

Jesus put a man’s severed ear back on his head and with a touch healed it.

Jesus multiplied a child’s lunch and fed a multitude of men, women and children.

Jesus walked on water.

Jesus told the disciples where to go to catch great volumes of fish.

Jesus identified a fish that had enough money in its mouth to pay taxes.

Jesus died and rose again to save sinners.

The Messiah’s ministry enhanced the quality of the lives of everyone Jesus touched as well as the lives of everyone who touched Jesus. By doing the will of the heavenly Father,  Jesus made a difference that changed the world and made it a better place.

Mr. Senior, this same Heavenly Father is available to guide you in making a difference and finding meaning, too.  Just remember that the art of the start of anything is not first about the money.

~ck

1. Youtube Video.

Note: See also the book The Art of the Start by Guy Kawasaki

 Creative Ministry Center.   www.creativeministry.org