Isaac, our youngest son, has many skills, is passionate about wildlife and building things, and wants to own a farm to rehabilitate animals one day. He also wants to provide a place for people to come to when they have suffered a trauma to take some time out and spend time with the animals. He understands how connecting in that way heals people’s hearts and minds, and he wants to make a difference.
However, Isaac is a little afraid to step out and lead in who he is as then he might become famous, and he’s noticed that many famous people mess up. Isaac is thirteen, and it’s sad he thinks that, so we’ve discussed all the great leaders who have made a difference and not messed up.
We’ve also discussed that even if you do mess up that it’s possible to learn from your mistakes and still impact the world for good – David in the bible is an ideal example of such a person. He messed up by committing adultery, getting a married woman pregnant, and then having her husband killed in battle to cover up his sin. Yet, David became a great King and leader by choosing to repent and learn from his mistakes.
The world needs great leaders, for, without good leadership, people will follow anyone who will inspire them with what they want to hear. Hitler is an example of this as he appealed to Germany’s national pride and convinced the people with rousing speeches that together, following him, they could make Germany great again after the defeats and global sanctions of WW1.
He stood up in the absence of others and told his countrymen what they wanted to hear, and because of that, the general population followed him and believed much of what he said.
In comparison to many people, great leaders determine that they will impact for good and choose to use their gifts and strength to educate, inspire, tell people where and how they can make a difference, and correct where necessary. They seek to make the world a better place but also encourage others they can make a positive impact too.
Jesus is the greatest leader of all time, and He encourages us to imitate Him and that He has a plan and purpose for each of our lives. He expects that we will let our light shine and not hide what we carry. (Matthew 5:14-16; Ephesians 5;1-2)
Jesus says to imitate Him, and he was a great leader. He encourages us to lead where we can, lead our families well, and be leaders in our places of study, recreation and workplaces in right thinking, behaviours, and speech. To be someone others look up to and are inspired by how we live and what we believe.
We don’t have to be famous to do that, but if we do it well, we will undoubtedly grow to be famous in someone’s eyes, and that’s okay as long as we keep our eyes on Jesus, our purpose and goals, and not allow the fame and accolades of the world to move us.
Today I encourage you to seek to lead through who you are and what you carry. What you do and who you are makes a difference, so you’ve got to decide what sort of difference you want to make.
Focus on Jesus and follow His example and the instructions in His Word in all you do. You are not alone, for Jesus promises to lead and guide you, and His word will be a light to your path and a lamp to your feet. (Psalm 119:105; Psalm 119:130)
“Let your light shine so brightly so that others can find their way out of the dark.” (K Mayer)
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)
Prayer: Lord, thank you that you have created me to shine and lead in who I am and do. Please help me recognise and use the gifts and abilities you have given me to make a difference in the world, and that as I do so, you will be glorified through my life. In Jesus name Amen.