Thursday; October 5

One of my favorite modern authors is Simon Sinek.  To me he has an in interesting look at the world and an understandable way of expressing it.  The other day I was looking at some of his ideas and came across this one, “There are only two ways to influence human behavior: you can manipulate it or you can inspire it.”.  Simply put, we can try to change people by forcing them to do something we want them to do or encouraging them to accomplishing something they want to achieve.  When it comes to leadership the issue is whose interest do we put first?
Mr. Sinek has a modern-day audience, but this message has been around for centuries.  Many of the biblical characters relied upon their influence to make and develop disciples.  Jesus showed people what was important to Him and encouraged them to become His disciples.  One of His earliest appeals was to a some local fishermen when He said, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matthew 4:19)  The apostle Paul was willing to give up a promising career so that he could take the message of the good news of Christianity to the furthest reaches of the world.   His appeal was similar to his Lord’s, “Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.”. (I Corinthians 11:1)  The early church leaders may be known today by the instructions they left us in the Bible, but what made them stand apart throughout the ages has been their ability to inspire commitment.  It was evident in their early influence and it continues to transcend time into today.
Are we looking to make a difference in people today?  We can try cajoling them into our way of thinking or we can lead them to become the best they can be by living good lives and being interested in helping them elevate themselves.
          Think About It!

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