Do you ever feel so small? I know that I’m often overcome with a feeling of being unimportant. Life’s challenges and consequences diminish me, leading me to believe I can’t make a difference.
It’s in those moments I must remember who I am and that I can make a difference. More importantly, I must believe that I will.
I believe we are all born with the potential to make a difference. Often, how we use this potential to influence others defines us. In the short amount of time that I have had in this great, big world, I’ve become aware that, as leaders, we hold more power over others than we tend to realize. Our actions, opinions, and moods possess the ability to change another’s ideas and feelings.
It wasn’t until recently that I realized all my actions have repercussions, either positive or negative. I didn’t know how drastically my emotions or reactions could change the attitudes of those around me. As a leader, I failed to care about the well-being of others, focusing only on my desires, my feelings, and myself. I was wasting my potential.
However, once I realized the potential I have to influence others, my eyes were opened. Since then, it has become a desire of mine to be a reflection of our only perfect influence – Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 5:8-9, 15-17 says, “In the past you were full of darkness, but now you are full of light in the Lord. So live like children who belong to the light. Light brings every kind of goodness, right living, and truth … So be very careful how you live. Do not live like those who are not wise, but live wisely. Use every chance you have for doing good, because these are evil times.”
“Because these are evil times.” What an intense, heated phrase this is. But, in no way do I disagree.
Now more than ever, there is a search for fulfillment. Our generation is seeking satisfaction through the influence of our society. Rather than finding joy in Christ, they are settling for temporary happiness found in sex, drugs, pornography, social status, wealth, love, etc. No matter how often they fill themselves with worldly things, they still find themselves empty. They still are searching for that one thing that will never leave them wanting. They are absent-mindedly looking for a savior.
As young Christian leaders, we must realize that many of our followers are seeking Christ without realizing it. Therefore, it’s our job to point them to the Savior through our actions. We must be willing to humble ourselves, to serve with love, and to reflect the only leader worth following, Jesus Christ.
We must take our potential and use it to draw others to Jesus’ fulfillment.
Earlier, I said that I would make a difference in this world. It won’t be the kind of change that you watch on the news or listen to on the radio, because that’s not what I desire. Rather, I want to eternally impact those God gives me the opportunity to influence.
For me, it’s more than enough to be a light shining in the darkness, a follower reflecting the True Leader. I want to tell those who are empty about my Savior who fulfills. I want to show those who are lonely that my Savior will never abandon them. I want to radiate His glory for the sole purpose of bringing Him more glory.
It is a great, big world we live in. As leaders, we must never forget the power that we have to eternally impact others. Don’t let your potential go to waste.
Hannah Tybor is currently a public relations student at Middle Tennessee State University. When she isn’t spending her time studying, she enjoys writing, watching Netflix, and late night Taco Bell trips.
From a young age, Hannah began sharing her passion for Jesus through her two favorite avenues: adoption and disaster-relief work. Recently, she spoke at an adoption fundraiser, encouraging families to consider adoption. She has also published several articles about her own adoption experiences. Hannah is also on the leadership team for the nonprofit organization Eight Days of Hope which helps rebuild homes following natural disasters.
In the future, Hannah hopes to have a job that allows her further the Kingdom of God through one of these avenues.
