Empowering Others

As leaders, we need to remember Who we follow.

"In Christ alone my hope is found.
He is my light, my strength, my song.
This Cornerstone, this solid ground,
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.

What heights of love, what depths of peace,
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease;
My Comforter, my All in All,
Here in the love of Christ I stand.

In Christ alone, Who took on flesh;
Fullness of God in helpless Babe.
This gift of love and righteousness,
Scorned by the ones He came to save.
Til on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied.
For every sin on Him was laid.
Here in the death of Christ I live,

There in the ground His body lay;
Light of the world by darkness slain.
Then bursting forth in glorious day,
Up from the grave He rose again.
And as He stands in victory,
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me;
For I am His and He is mine,
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.

No guilt in life, no fear in death;
This is the power of Christ in me.
From a life's first cry to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Could ever pluck me from His hand.
Til He returns or calls me home,
Here in the power of Christ I stand."

MercyMe sets forth powerful words of wisdom. We need to remember that He is where we can find help, always. "I lift up my eyes to the hills--where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." (Psalm 121:1, NIV)

The central verse that Maxwell presents for tonight is Matthew 28:18, which says: "Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.'" (NIV) I will go forward and continue what Jesus was saying there: "'Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'" (Matthew 28:19-20, NIV)

Jesus' Great Commission allows us to empower others. "No matter how much work you can do, no matter how engaging your personality may be, you will not advance far in business if you cannot work through others," notes John Craig. We must not be selfish with the gifts and talents the Lord has bestowed upon us. We should help others as we have the ability.

Maxwell says, "Simply defined, empowering is giving your influence to others for the purpose of personal and organizational growth." That growth not only occurs in the one you empower, but in yourself as well.

Empowering others is one way you can leave a legacy. If you notice someone in particular who you feel would be a good "apprentice," take him or her under your wing. Train them. Influence them for the Kingdom's cause. Follow the Great Commission set forth by the King Himself!

Maxwell asks, "How do you empower others?" Share your leadership knowledge. It is inevitable that someone will need to follow in your footsteps. Who better than someone you have personally trained and can trust to move forward with your vision? Look to God for guidance in this matter, and in any other situation. Lean on Him and trust in His guidance!

God bless you!