When you look at someone, do you see their outer appearance or do you look deeper? Looks are one thing, but there’s so much more.
I encourage you to see through to the heart of others. Everyone has a strong desire to be seen, heard and understood. Let them. Making things about yourself might cause you to miss some things. Some important things!
Take time to get to know people. See what makes them tick. When you let your guard down, you encourage others to do the same…
Our world is full of superstars. Athletes, celebrities and public figures catch our attention daily. People revere them. But I ask you, what is greatness and how do you achieve it?
Let’s consider the life of Jesus. He was born a baby. Infants must rely on others to care for them. When Jesus became an adult, he performed countless miracles, but not a single one benefited himself. He redeemed and restored the forgotten, the oppressed and the sick. Jesus did most of his work quietly, not seeking attention. Word spread, even without the aid of the internet, and his popularity grew. Yet, Jesus never made it about himself. His life was focused on glorifying God. That’s it. Through this, Jesus started something that’s affected billions of people for over 2,000 years.
Greatness, true greatness is achieved through service to others along with humility.
Do you want to be great? Follow the example of Jesus…
I had a package delivered from Amazon today. It was expected last week, but for some reason it got delayed. My wish for this book was finally fulfilled!
There’s a waiting period between ordering something and getting it. The wait increases our anticipation. Remember how excited you would get when you were a child waiting for Santa? The bigger the outcome, the greater the anticipation.
Similarly, in life we build our reputations by delivering on our promises. Actions do speak louder than words, and our actions are constantly on display.
I encourage you to under promise and over deliver. People will trust you much more than someone who is just a big talker. Big talkers are just that, a big talker…
How do you define yourself? Maybe you want to be known for your sense of style, or maybe your character is the most important way you define yourself.
Whatever it is, we are known for something. People get impressed by possessions, positions and power. Yet there are people who have all those things but they are empty inside. No amount of money or prestige will fill an empty heart.
Serving your fellow man will bring you an indescribable feeling. Doing something for someone who can never repay you will fill the emptiness with incredible joy and peace.
Start by figuring out who you are. Everything else will fall into place…
I serve as a greeter at my church. I call myself the “Head Greeter” because I’m ambitious, but I’m simply a volunteer like everyone else.
I enjoy saying hello to the men, women and children who are walking in from the parking lot. If you are paying attention you can read their moods. One guy was walking in, pushing a stroller with one hand while holding coffee in his other. When I asked him how he was doing, he didn’t skip a beat when he replied “pretty shitty.” No guesswork there!
I encourage you to speak kindly to others, even when you aren’t feeling it. They need it, and what you give to your fellow man you get back…
In a paper titled, “My Ethics. My Codes of Life,” Rachel Joy Scott wrote the following: “Compassion is the greatest form of love humans have to offer. I have this theory that if one person can go out of their way to show compassion, it would start a chain reaction of the same. You never know how far a little kindness can go.”
Rachel was the first person killed at Columbine High School in 1999. Since her death, her story has been starting chain reactions of kindness and compassion worldwide. In fact, she’s started over 30 million of them.
Around the same time, the two shooters talked about a different kind of chain reaction, one of violence and murder. It’s shocking when you consider the contrast, especially since they were interrelated.
Our actions have consequences. What we put out into the world comes back to us. Always.
I encourage you to start your own chain reaction of kindness and compassion. Your fellow man desperately needs it…
What image comes to mind when you think of missionaries? Maybe you think of people going to Africa or The Amazon to preach the Gospel. Or perhaps you take into consideration the Mormon guys with their white shirts and skinny black ties riding around on their bicycles.
All of those people are missionaries, and so are you! When you go to work, your mission is to make some money. Go on a group outing and you are on a mission to make friends. See what I mean?
I encourage you to take on the mission of making a difference. Start your newfound mission today and don’t look back. You will be glad you did…
People like to identify us by our class. You know, upper, middle and lower. But that’s based upon our monetary value, not our intrinsic value.
In the eyes of God we are all upper class. He made us and God doesn’t create junk. Always remember this.
Someone may have more money than we do, but in the opinion of the one who matters, we are equally wealthy…
You have gifts. God equipped you with them. They are unique to you.
Living with purpose means you are using your gifts. We use them to glorify our Creator, not for personal gain or selfish reasons. God gave them to you to use for His purposes on this side of eternity. It’s important that you keep this in mind because they have eternal consequences.
Make a list of what fills your heart. These are hints about how you are gifted. Then go make a difference in the world. And don’t forget to give God the glory…
People will try to tear you down, sometimes to your face but more often behind a computer keyboard. They are insecure and unfulfilled in their lives, so they want the rest of the world to feel the same way.
Don’t take the bait. Stay on the high ground. Aim higher and think higher.
The naysayers and doubters will always be there. Stay true to who you are…
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