I have done a lot of observing over the past few years of my life. Experience is a great teacher, but I believe that if I can learn from the experiences of others that I may be able to avoid some of the 'hard' lessons of life. The lessons I've learned from watching others have certainly helped me grow and shaped some of my thoughts and beliefs. A few of those have changed how I believed I could change the world and those thoughts are below.
1. I used to believe that in order for me to change the world, I would need a fancy title or high ranking position. I thought that I would have to become an executive officer, start a successful business, or make lots of money before I would have enough clout to influence those around me. Guess what, the people I thought I needed that status to influence are often so set in their ways that nothing's going to change them. Remember the saying, "It's hard to teach an old dog new tricks."
Through my current mid-level position at work, I've been given the opportunity to speak to and work with high school and middle school students on several occasions. Guess what, their minds are still like sponges - willing to listen, willing to learn, willing to change. These young people are our future and I believe that if we have more God-fearing, intelligent, honest, kind, people pouring into their lives, that our future is going to be just fine. It's encouraging to have an opportunity to influence those who are willing to be better people.
2. I also believed a little over two years ago that I was being called into the political arena. The opportunity was perfect storm for the experience and circles that I was involved in. I thought that if I wasn't going to be a CEO that if I had an elected official title, that would give me the influence I would need. Again, those who would even care if I had that title would be so set in their ways and beliefs that it would be very challenging, to say the least, to influence any sort of change.
Then, there is the current political climate that I have observed over the past months as well. Our justice system is based on the principal of innocent until proven guilty. However, our hate and power fueled divisive media (on both sides) operates on the premise of: "If we like you, you're innocent and can't be proven guilty. If we don't like you, you are guilty and can't be proven innocent." Sadly, that's discouraging to good people considering getting into politics and confusing for those of us who just want to know the truth when considering candidates and policies.
On an encouraging note, I don't believe that the animosity portrayed on the internet and TV is completely accurate of our two main political parties. When I considered running for office, I was approached by both Democrats and Republicans about running under their particular party. What does that say? Did my values change? No. Either party wanted a good person and a good candidate to run. Maybe, just maybe they're not that different and can learn to work together better in the future.
So if it doesn't seem likely that I can change the world through money, power, politics, or influence; how is changing the world possible? The answer is simple and has been in front of me the entire time. The world will be changed by the same thing it was changed by 2000 years ago - The Truth.
3. "Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth" - John 17:17. Truth is such a beautifully amazing thing. It doesn't have to be defended. It doesn't get offended. It's not debatable and is undeniable. The truth IS just like God said, "I am." Our county, our state, our country, and our world isn't going to change by one candidate or policy at a time - they're going to change one heart at a time. It's going to be when bad people (sinners like me and you) come to know Christ and get plugged into His compassion and wisdom that the world around us will begin to change.
So how am I going to try to change the world? One Sunday school class with 2 people at a time. One children's church service with 6 children at a time. One speaking opportunity with 20 students at a time. Slowly, steadily, consistently, and rooted in Truth.
Maybe I won't see much change in the world during my lifetime, maybe I will. But right now, I cannot deny the peace and joy that God has instilled into my life. I have a career that allows me help people with personal, financial, and business needs - and to go out and be involved in our schools and community! I have an opportunity in our church to share and teach the most impressionable people of all, young children. And I get to teach and hopefully encourage and guide those going through some of the most important and decisive times in their lives - 20 and 30 year olds. You don't need a title, money, or power to become an influencer, you simply need the truth found in God's Word.
1. I used to believe that in order for me to change the world, I would need a fancy title or high ranking position. I thought that I would have to become an executive officer, start a successful business, or make lots of money before I would have enough clout to influence those around me. Guess what, the people I thought I needed that status to influence are often so set in their ways that nothing's going to change them. Remember the saying, "It's hard to teach an old dog new tricks."
Through my current mid-level position at work, I've been given the opportunity to speak to and work with high school and middle school students on several occasions. Guess what, their minds are still like sponges - willing to listen, willing to learn, willing to change. These young people are our future and I believe that if we have more God-fearing, intelligent, honest, kind, people pouring into their lives, that our future is going to be just fine. It's encouraging to have an opportunity to influence those who are willing to be better people.
2. I also believed a little over two years ago that I was being called into the political arena. The opportunity was perfect storm for the experience and circles that I was involved in. I thought that if I wasn't going to be a CEO that if I had an elected official title, that would give me the influence I would need. Again, those who would even care if I had that title would be so set in their ways and beliefs that it would be very challenging, to say the least, to influence any sort of change.
Then, there is the current political climate that I have observed over the past months as well. Our justice system is based on the principal of innocent until proven guilty. However, our hate and power fueled divisive media (on both sides) operates on the premise of: "If we like you, you're innocent and can't be proven guilty. If we don't like you, you are guilty and can't be proven innocent." Sadly, that's discouraging to good people considering getting into politics and confusing for those of us who just want to know the truth when considering candidates and policies.
On an encouraging note, I don't believe that the animosity portrayed on the internet and TV is completely accurate of our two main political parties. When I considered running for office, I was approached by both Democrats and Republicans about running under their particular party. What does that say? Did my values change? No. Either party wanted a good person and a good candidate to run. Maybe, just maybe they're not that different and can learn to work together better in the future.
So if it doesn't seem likely that I can change the world through money, power, politics, or influence; how is changing the world possible? The answer is simple and has been in front of me the entire time. The world will be changed by the same thing it was changed by 2000 years ago - The Truth.
3. "Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth" - John 17:17. Truth is such a beautifully amazing thing. It doesn't have to be defended. It doesn't get offended. It's not debatable and is undeniable. The truth IS just like God said, "I am." Our county, our state, our country, and our world isn't going to change by one candidate or policy at a time - they're going to change one heart at a time. It's going to be when bad people (sinners like me and you) come to know Christ and get plugged into His compassion and wisdom that the world around us will begin to change.
So how am I going to try to change the world? One Sunday school class with 2 people at a time. One children's church service with 6 children at a time. One speaking opportunity with 20 students at a time. Slowly, steadily, consistently, and rooted in Truth.
Maybe I won't see much change in the world during my lifetime, maybe I will. But right now, I cannot deny the peace and joy that God has instilled into my life. I have a career that allows me help people with personal, financial, and business needs - and to go out and be involved in our schools and community! I have an opportunity in our church to share and teach the most impressionable people of all, young children. And I get to teach and hopefully encourage and guide those going through some of the most important and decisive times in their lives - 20 and 30 year olds. You don't need a title, money, or power to become an influencer, you simply need the truth found in God's Word.
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