I believe our main task as leaders is to make a difference in the lives of those people around us – in every aspect of life!
I also believe that it is as a result of great leaders that we can effect change, and maybe even change the world.
Ben Harper reminded me of this recently while listening to one of his songs called “Own Two Hands”. Harper sings:
“I can change the world
With my own two hands
Make it a better place
With my own two hands
Make it a kinder place
Oh- with my own two hands
I can make peace on earth
With my own two hands
And I can clean up the earth
Oh- with my own two hands
And I can reach out to you
Oh- with my own two hands
I'm gonna make it a brighter place
I'm gonna make it a safer place
I'm gonna help the human race
With my own two hands
Now I can hold you
With my own two hands
And I can comfort you
With my own two hands…
But you got to use
Use your own two hands”
It is a powerful idea! We can change the world with our own two hands… BUT we have got to USE them! As leaders we have been given incredible talents, but these are not only for our benefit.
Have you ever noticed how some leaders live only for themselves? They have the title, the car, the cash, the status, but yet they are lonely, bitter and twisted people. There may be many reasons for this but I believe it is because they have used their talents to serve themselves only, no matter what effect it had on anyone else. They have been living for the big “ME!” and as a result they isolate themselves.
I believe as humans we were never created to live in isolation. Community is God’s plan and design – we see it in the Trinity, in marriage, in the church and in life. Synergy is God’s plan to change the world, and synergy means you and me using our talents to make a difference in the lives of those we lead and influence – a positive difference.
Jesus, who used His two hands to change the world, explained to a follower of his that if he loved Him, he should feed His sheep. In essence, Jesus is saying we show our love for Him and extend His kingdom by meeting the needs of those around us. He also taught us through what is called the parable of the talents that we need to use what we have been given to make an exponential effect on others. When we use our talents this way, we move from living for the big “ME” and start living for the big “US”.
What talents do your hands carry? And are you going to use them to change your world or The World?
__________
Don Muller has spent the last 4 years working into corporate and church leadership development and training both locally and internationally. He has a passion for and works towards seeing individuals live out their strengths and calling daily.