By Lance Mayes
This sign is at Leah’s elementary school. They a Leader in Me Lighthouse school (www.theleaderinme.org) based on The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.
What would happen if we lived this: as we greet people we honor the greatness in them? What if we told our children they are destined for greatness? What if we really believed this about everyone? That everyone was destined for greatness? What difference would it make?
I’m not talking about everyone gets a trophy. I’m talking about helping people figure out how they’ve been created in the image of God. It was “very good” (Genesis 1:26-31). What skills, talents, gifts, strengths, and passions do they have inside of them?
Barnabas is a great example for us. He stood by Saul (Paul) and told the apostles of his conversion on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:26-28). Barnabas stood by John Mark and parted ways with Paul even though John Mark abandoned Paul and Barnabas on a previous missional endeavor (Acts 15:36-41). Both Paul and John Mark served people then and continue to serve people today through their books and letters in the New Testament.
Sometimes we are are more like Paul and we find it difficult to see even a hint of greatness in others. We need to always be like Barnabas. Barnabas looked for and found the greatness in Paul and John Mark.
Look deep inside of people. Believe they are destined for greatness. Tell them they are destined for greatness. Help them find the greatness inside of them and help them share it with the world.
Every time you greet someone with “hello” or “howdy”, remember in your mind to honor the greatness in them.
Take a look at this inspiring video for an example of tashi deley.. What a difference we can make in the lives of others!