Henry G. Bosch, author of Our Daily Bread, in talking about making great impact, summed it up nicely:

“Socrates taught for 40 years, Plato for 50, Aristotle for 40, and Jesus for only 3. Yet the influence of Christ’s 3-year ministry infinitely transcends the impact left by the combined 130 years of teaching from these men who were among the greatest philosophers of all antiquity. Jesus painted no pictures; yet, some of the finest paintings of Raphael, Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci received their inspiration from Him. Jesus wrote no poetry; but Dante, Milton and scores of the world’s greatest poets were inspired by Him. Jesus composed no music; still Haydn, Handel, Beethoven, Bach and Mendelssohn reached their highest perfection of melody in the hymns, symphonies and oratorios they composed in His praise. Every sphere of human greatness has been enriched by this humble Carpenter of Nazareth, Jesus Christ.”

Yet His voice has been silenced in public schools. You can read the works of Socrates and Plato, and listen to the sounds of Handel, but the greatest influence of their achievements has been kept from you.

“His unique contribution to the race of men is the salvation of the soul! Philosophy could not accomplish that. Nor art. Nor literature. Nor music. Only Jesus Christ can break the chains of sin and bondage. He alone can speak peace to the human heart, strengthen the weak and give life to those who are spiritually dead.”

If your life is to truly make impact in this generation, it has to be through Jesus Christ. Are you making impact? Or are you just making a living?