“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”  ~Mark 10:45  (NIV)

I’m sure you’ve heard the old adage, “If you think you’re a leader but look behind you to find that no one’s following, you’re only taking a walk.”  This “proverb” is so true.  Many times people are “leaders” because they’ve been appointed to a position; but a true leader, as defined by John Maxwell, is “the ability to obtain followers” (“Developing the Leader Within You”).

Each and every one of us influences someone else.  We influence our children, our spouses, our co-workers, our church family, our relatives, and our friends.  It’s how we influence them that counts!  John Maxwell writes, “every one of us continually exerts influence, either to heal, to bless, to leave marks of beauty; or to wound, to hurt, to poison, to stain other lives”.

Have you ever had your child (or someone elses’s child) do or say something that made you stop and think, “Oh, my Lord, that’s me!”?  I have! 

There have been times when I’ve seen each of my children respond to situations in a positive, godly manner.   In those situations, I cannot tell you how proud I’ve been  that our influence over their lives was so evident!  I’ve stood in amazement at their maturity and witness for the Lord and have marveled at the presence of God in their lives. 

On the other hand…I’ve seen them react in ways that weren’t so magnificant and have been reminded of my own shortcomings and negative influences.  I’ve found myself repenting for the times when I didn’t react/respond with holiness and righteousness, especially in front of my children.

My point is this:  We are all influencers!

Learning to serve others by caring for their needs, praying for them, and celebrating with them is all part of learning to be a true leader!  Sometimes, it’s so difficult to put others ahead of ourselves; but the Word says, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness,  THEN all these things shall be added unto you.” (emphasis added)

Maybe you’re like me and have been learning to be a true servant, regardless of whether or not anyone else ever does anything to serve you. Let me encourage you today:  Make serving others a priority in your life;  Think carefully before you speak or respond to a situation;   And be sure that you’re influence is one that touches other peoples’ lives in a positive, godly manner.  Your rewards will be great!