An ancient story is told of a little boy, a shipwreck and a rock:
During a furious storm at sea, a ship capsized and broke into pieces. The only survivor was a little boy who was swept by the waves onto a rock. He sat there all night long until, the next morning, he was spotted and rescued.
“Did you tremble while you were on the rock during the night?” someone later asked him.
“Yes,” said the boy. “I trembled all night—but the rock didn’t.”
At least 18 times in the book of Psalms, God is called a “Rock.” Each time, the psalmist is referring to God as his boulder, large rock, a place of refuge, or a fortress. The Hebrew words, “tsoor” and “sehlah,” bring the meanings of a stronghold of protection, but also an immovable strength.
Just as the boy in the story, are you holding onto your Rock? Is God your refuge? Your fortress? Your protection?
The Psalmist says, “The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” (Psalms 18:2)
Do you feel the same?
The world is a hard place to live. Sin is prevalent and we can allow the current events of the world to cause us to lose focus on our Heavenly home. One of the keys to staying faithful in a troubled world is to hold fast to our Rock.
Every week people ask us to pray for them and their situations. Whether it is on a Sunday, a Wednesday, or just a normal day throughout the week, people want us to pray for them. People know prayer works. They have seen it with their eyes, and they know the power of prayer mentioned in the scriptures,
“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” (James 5:16)
While we pray for others, do we also pray for ourselves?
When others ask us to pray for them, we take time to petition God on their behalf. However, do you take time and pray for yourself?
Let us not forget we need to pray for ourselves. Even Jesus, in John 17, prayed for Himself, that He might glorify the Father. Jesus needed strength, and especially in his final hours.
You and I also need the strength of God in our lives. Praying for others is a good trait of a Christian life, but we must not forget that we need the strength and wisdom God provides. (Psalm 34.4; James 1.5)
Charles Spurgeon was once quoted as saying, “I have now concentrated all my prayers into one, and that one prayer is this, that I may die to self, and live wholly to Him.”
We must pray for others, but we must pray for ourselves, our strength, and our faith so we may be able to continue. Remember the words of Paul,
“…do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6)
There are many thoughts which can be shared, but the book of Proverbs shares many timeless wisdoms, which finds the application beyond a graduation.
Solomon speaks from his experiences regarding life, decisions, marriage, knowledge, riches, poverty, and humbleness.
Consider Solomon’s inspired words in Proverbs 4.23-27 and how they will be a guiding light to the feet of those willing to investigate the sacred text. Each verse is a treasure of knowledge to guide your steps.
I would encourage you to take these verses to heart and use them each day as you walk in your new season of life.
“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” (Proverbs 4:23)
“Put away from you crooked speech, and put devious talk far from you.” (Proverbs 4:24)
“Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you.” (Proverbs 4:25)
“Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure.” (Proverbs 4:26)
“Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil.” (Proverbs 4:27)
I would encourage each graduate, and each Christian, to take these verses to heart and use them each day as you walk in your new season of life.
Allow your life to flow from the lessons you have and will learn in the Scriptures. Let them be a light to your path and a lamp to your feet.
On November 16, 2020, Radio France International made a blunder that made people laugh, yet they questioned why such a mistake would occur. The mistake also got people thinking, “I wonder what mine would say?”
Someone made a mistake and posted close to 100 obituaries on the Radio France International website. It does not sound like a mistake until you know those people were not dead. The obituaries included people such as Clint Eastwood, soccer legend Pele, and even Queen Elizabeth.
Within a few hours, readers let the website know of the error and the pre-written obituaries were taken down. Later, an apology note was posted to help clear up the error.
To think that someone is writing obituaries before a person passes away might sound odd, or even morbid, but it happens each day. Each of us are writing our own obituary as we live each day. Our lives are in constant motion and people will remember our lives, no matter what the written words say.
This mistake on the Radio France International website should serve as a remind that we are writing our obituaries as we live, but also, our death in this life is certain. So, here are a few questions to think about…
What would your obituary say?
How do you want to be remembered by your family?
How do you want to be remembered by your friends?
How do you want to be remembered by those who read your obituary?
But most important, no matter who remembers you, will they remember you as a shining light for Christ? Will they remember you as a Christian?
Leadership. It is a word often used when a situation needs someone to stand up and take control. Or it is used when a problem has developed, and someone is needed to make a difference.
Leading by example is one of the largest areas of contribution one can make to others, their church, their community, their workplace, and their family. Someone needs to take the lead.
Will Rogers is noted as saying, “We can’t all be heroes, because someone has to sit on the curb and clap as they go by.” While it may seem that way many times, that fact is we are all leaders in one extent or another. You may lead your family, lead a group activity, or lead a team at work, but you are a leader. You might lead the way in innovation, or in teaching new generations the cultures of the past, but you are a leader.
The most significant influence you have as a leader is the example you set for others. Remember, people are watching you. People will pay less attention to what you say, and more attention to what you do. Your example in actions will be the biggest influence you will have on them.
While words are important, it is the action that backs up those words and shows the true cahracter of an individual.
Consider for a moment your experience at school or work; who were the most influential teachers and bosses in your past?
Some of your teachers and bosses were a big influence by showing you what not to be like as a leader. However, the ones that made the most significant impact on you were likely the teachers and managers who brought out the best in you and taught you through their example.
What are some character traits of a great leader?
Is a great leader compassionate?
Is a great leader ethical?
Is a great leader honest?
Is a great leader dedicated?
Is a great leader fair to others?
What character traits would make up a great leader? Have you learned about these traits from great leaders in your past?
Another area of great leaders is the skills the possess. They do not have to be a jack-of-all-trades, but do they have skills necessary to assist others?
What skills can great leaders teach through their example?
Does a great leader have tactical skills? (Skills in communication and manners)
Does a great leader have the skill of empowerment to assist others?
Does a great leader have a mastery of a craft?
Based on your experience, what are some skills a leader should possess? You will find that some areas of leadership need different skills that others.
Remember, leaders lead through their example; this is where the distinction is made between the good and the great. The actions of a leader make a difference to his influence and his leadership abilities.
How do great leaders lead through their example?
Does a great leader model appropriate behavior?
Does a great leader teach complex concepts in understandable ways?
Do great leaders walk the walk as they talk the talk?
Does a great leader practice self-sacrifice for the betterment of the group?
Does a great leader champion their cause?
Through your reflection on what makes great leaders, you must remember that your example has power to shape whatever situation.
You can influence others in ways you may never imagine. Through your example you will help build someone’s character, or teach them a skill, and even encourage their self-worth just by doing what you do best, being a proper example.
Something to always keep in mind is that you are never unobserved. Others are always responding to your presence.
Remember to do your best from a place of integrity and think about your influence wherever you are. Do what you can to be mindful of the fact that someone, somewhere, is being influenced by your behavior. If even in the smallest of ways, your existence is making a meaningful impact on the world.
Whether you are the leader of a company, a leader in your church, or the leader of your home, you are a leader with influence wherever you go.
Be a good example to those looking to you and walk with confidence knowing that you are affecting others as they watch you.
As we have spoken about already, you must remember that making a difference in the lives of others has a benefit for you as well. You will find yourself in a different place because of your influence on others.
Draw this in your mind for a moment: one person making an effort + multiple people receiving the benefits of that effort = countless people who are now in a better situation.
While you are motivated to help others for selfless reasons, you do find there are undeniable benefits that come from the effort. It is not selfish to appreciate or enjoy those benefits. They are rewards for doing a job well.
One benefit of helping others is it makes you feel happier and helps you live a fulfilled life. You can understand that because of your effort, someone somewhere is now better off.
When you think of motivation, be aware there are different types. Typically, people think of the big words of motivation, but when it is broken down, you are able to see its lasting effects.
Consider these types of motivation work in the lives of others. Each person might be looking for motivation to affect their life in different areas:
Those needed wanting positive reinforcement.
Those seeking to avoid negative consequences.
Those with a natural desire to be motivated (Also called “intrinsic motivation”)
There are other forces work together to motivate us to act.
No matter our reason for taking action, the benefits are rewarding and more impactful than you may realize. Many people see the action, then forget to see the results. It is not selfish to look for positive results in others because of your actions.
Here is a list of personal benefits you will find in your life when you help make a difference in the lives of others:
You are Creating and Building a Legacy – When you begin making a difference in the lives of others, it often leads creating a legacy. Others will remember who you are and what you did for them or someone they know because you took actions for the greater good. You will find that pouring yourself into something bigger than you can make an impact for generations – this is creating a legacy.
You are Giving Back – Sometimes making a difference comes from giving back to others when you have realized your blessings. Giving back provides healing to your life and to the lives of others. You will also find satisfaction because you have been able to bless others. This healing and satisfaction come from paying forward what you have gained in your lifetime.
You are Restoring Your Faith – When you have lost something precious, it feels good to regain your faith in God, humanity, or your community. When you begin making a difference, you see the good in others and it begins a process of restoring your faith. When your faith is restored, you begin seeing others in a different light and you notice a different side the first perceived.
You Begin Reducing Depression – Various forms of depression are rampant in the world, especially in the past year. When you are suffering, it helps to refocus your energy to somewhere other than yourself. When you refocus your energy, you find your suffering slowly easing. You find more energy because you see the difference you are making in others. Your efforts to assist others, changes you.
You Might Honor Someone – You might make a change in others because someone made a difference in yours. You can honor someone by making a difference just as they did. In doing so, you also continue their legacy and their memory.
You Create Future Opportunities – Your actions have a unique way of creating future opportunities for you to make a difference. When your actions take root, it is like planting a seed and watching it grow. As that seed grows, more opportunities will be present.
When you intentionally choose to make a difference in the lives of others, it becomes a winning situation for everyone involved. The win might not be immediately known, but it will be a worthwhile effort.
Remember, those who receive support from others are blessed, just as those who step out and make a difference.
Be assured that your efforts to serve others will come to result in significant personal benefit.
