"EMPOWERING OTHERS"

The word "empower" means to give authority to.  Empowering others is often neglected for those of us who lead.   Why is that?

1.  We are too afraid we have not equipped a person enough to take the lead.
2.  Many of us are control freaks and just can't let go.
3.  We are afraid that a person might do the task better than us.
4.  Some of us are afraid to empower because we don't want the person to fail.
5.  Perhaps you have empowered others and they have abused their opportunity.

Empowering others certainly involves taking a risk.  It can be a very vulnerable thing to do. But passing the baton of leadership, is essential for any organization or ministry to have smooth transitions and healthy legacies.

So let me respond to these five excuses:

1.  We need to be more intentional about preparing those under our leadership with the skills to take over.  This may mean letting go a little at a time.  As people are faithful with a little they can be given much.
2.  For those of us who are control freaks, we just need to get over it.  The reality is that people are going to fail, and sometimes people are going to do it better.  Think about this metaphor.  How would you like to still be running behind your grown child holding onto the their two wheel bike to keep them from falling?   You would be pretty exhausted.  Let's not forget the joy in our child's face when they rode that two wheeler for the first time, without you holding on.
3.  There can be great freedom in empowering others, because it shifts not only authority but responsibility.
4.  What I have discovered is that empowering others increases our own empowerment.  What do I mean by this?  I have discovered that people so appreciate given the opportunity to lead, they respect the leader who gave them that opportunity even more.

IMPACT!

Do you want to have an impact on people's lives in 2014?  Let me give you 5 principles that will help you touch people's lives in a powerful way.

1.  God has ordained a plan for your life.  Psalm 139:16  Are you willing to get on board with his plan or are you busy trying to make your own plans?

2. God wants to use people who have their heart in the right place.  If your greatest desire in life is to please God rather than men you qualify.  God pleasers can make the biggest difference for His kingdom.  Remember man looks at the outer appearance but God looks at the heart.

3.  God often uses those who are marginalized and obscure to do the greatest things for the kingdom. David was a shepherd boy who was taken from obscurity to the palace.  God used a bunch of fishermen to turn the world upside down.  I have a hunch He wants to use you too.  

4.  God uses those who are available with their talents to help those in need.  Remember God used a harp to sooth the nerves of King Saul.  He used a staff to part the Red Sea.  He can certainly use what you bring to the table.

5.  God grants success to those who meditate on his word, and are careful to obey it.  (Joshua 1:8)
There is no better impact on another person's life than one who is consistently living out what he believes.

May 2014 be a year of IMPACT for Christ!