People say that a picture is worth 1000 words but pictures never cause revolutions. But with a little over 100 words, Lincoln stirred up our nation to fight against slavery, which eventually led to emancipation! Martin Luther King Jr., with words, caused a nation to start a revolution against racism and unequal treatment towards minorities. Words are powerful. In fact how we use words will often speak greatly about the type of person we are. Words often determine the destiny of a person. So use good words, words that edify, words that build up and lift up... it’ll certainly make an impact in you!
But sometimes it’s not about you but it’s about those who surround you! Have you been surrounded by people who suck energy out of you? Negative people who kill all your dreams and pour water over your fire? People who are always thinking about all that could go wrong; those who always identify problems with your dream with no solutions to share... do you know anyone? Are you that person?
A while back ago, I remember a conference speaker saying, “If you want to be a turkey hang out with turkeys but if you want to be an eagle, you gotta hang out with eagles.” It’s humorous but true. In fact, those around us inevitably influence us to become like them. So I often suggest the Pareto principle which is often referred to as 80/20 rule. In the business world it’s often refer to mean 20% of people do the 80% of work. But in a relationship what you want to do is to spend 80% of your time with those who will lift you up, edify you, dream with you, run with you...etc. But with the remaining 20% of time, you minister to those who need extra grace! Why because you need the 80% to feed you so you can give the energy necessary to the people who need extra grace!
Have you noticed how successful people often surround themselves with positive, enthusiastic, and other successful people? They surround themselves with high energy people who believe in them. And when you do the same, it’ll generate energy and creativity and the belief that anything is possible... and it is. You see, the people you surround yourself with does matter. Your friends reflect the type of person you are and it points to the kind of person you will become. And you will be limited by the attitudes and beliefs that are declared around you. They will hold you back. And YOU will eventually become like them!
Now you may say, "but I know people who are successful in light of those around them." That shows that this person has put tremendous effort on their part and these folks surrounding them will not think about their sweat and blood but rather they’ll say, “You struck it lucky.” They will try and bring you down... fast... it’s in their nature.
Next time you are at a local fish market check out the crab barrel. Owners never put a lid on it because if one crab tries to crawl out, the others will grab onto it and drag it down! That’s what negative attitude does to you and me... and the world is full of it. The question is are we the type of people who drag others down? Jesus said that we are to be light of the world and to treat others with kindness and goodness. "Think of others better than yourselves" says Apostle Paul. There is a tremendous call for the followers of Jesus to lift others up so that they can become what God has envisioned them to become. There is hope in that. And hope gives us strength to cope with anything... in fact I realize that people can come out of anything if they have a strong support system around them. Paul says that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. All things? Yes, all things. That applies to me? Absolutely!
Someone once said to become the change you are looking for! May you add and infuse joy in others. May the words coming out of your beautiful mouth encourage and spur others up to pursue a life of passion in Christ Jesus. And as you stir others up for the glory of God, you will realize you are changing for the better as well. May our growth groups be filled with encouragement and edification regardless of the circumstances because we believe in the God who believes in us! DC you are the best. Blessings. ~ P. Sam
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