A Personal Savior
Dan Kunz
If you are a somewhat regular reader of this blog, you’ve probably read about the importance of having an individual, personal relationship with Jesus as your Savior. When it comes time to “get on the bus,” the family which raised you, the church body to which you belong, or which Christian school(s) you attended, isn’t going to make any difference to God. The only relationship he cares about is your relationship with his Son. Do you accept him as your Lord and Savior? That’s all that matters. This blog isn’t about that. It’s about being a “savior” to another person.
Kwik Trip, Inc. has hundreds of stores and thousands of co-workers in the Upper Midwest. If you’ve ever read or heard their mission statement, you may remember it ends in the phrase, “And to make a difference in someone’s life.” Every single day, thousands and thousands of people try to do exactly that. Kwik Trip is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2025 and is one of the best, if not the best, convenience store chains in the country. One of the main reasons is the culture of helping others. As Christians, we should strive to live by that same mantra. Galatians 6:10 Therefore as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Notice, it doesn’t say only to the family of believers, but all people.
I don’t know if you’ve ever thought about it this way before, but you can become someone’s “personal savior”! Obviously, you’re not saving them from a lifetime of sin, although if you share Jesus with someone, you could be doing that indirectly. The ways you can “save” someone are numerous. First and foremost, as a follower of Christ, you need to have a “make a difference” mindset. As the above passage states, it’s expected of us. It’s a way we can all be like Jesus. Secondly, we need to constantly be on the alert for opportunities to help our fellow man. You’ve probably heard the encouragement, “See something, say something.” In this case, it’s see something, do something. Third, and maybe most important, you must be courageous. I don’t mean “save someone from a burning building courageous”. I mean your efforts may be in vain. Not everyone wants to be helped. Also, you may need to sacrifice something, maybe money, maybe time, maybe comfort. When you help someone, you need to put yourself out there.
Sharing Jesus is the most important way to be a savior to someone. Offering to walk beside someone who is fighting drug or alcohol addiction is another. My wife and I have helped a family who needed funds for further education. Many believers are saviors when they bring a meal to a family who is facing serious health problems. Sitting by the bedside of a dying friend and singing hymns to them is appreciated by their entire family. Giving a panhandler a bag of groceries may make a difference to them for at least a couple days. You are only limited by your imagination and the opportunities God places before you.
God’s Word tells us what Jesus was willing to endure was made bearable because of “the joy set before him”. The joy you will feel as you make a difference in someone’s life is incomparable. The attitude and the actions will become a way of life! Best of all, God calling you “faithful servant” will make any sacrifice worth it and put a smile on Jesus’ face.