Image by Miguel Pires da Rosa via Flickr
Lifting People Up Instead of Pushing Them Down
Many people are professional critics, self-centered, and see it their life’s mission to make as many people miserable as they can each day. Many churches, work places and other types of organizations have the same type of people – People who take pleasure at pushing someone down, instead of lifting them up. –
Wow!! That may sounds like me or someone else you can readily think of, but before you think of someone else, think of yourself and ask:
How can I be a help instead of damaging others in the daily processes of doing ministry?
It is Person Centered … One person at a time.
FOCUS ON INDIVIDUALS INSTEAD OF THE CROWD
“Jesus wasfollowed by a large crowd . . Two blind men shouted, “Lord and Son of David, have pity on us.” Matthew 20:29-30 As long as we label people, we will never be able to help them. Often labels are used to tag people as “groups that do not matter.” One must never forget – everyone matters – Everyone.
Rather than focusing on changing America, or your company, focus on helping one person at a time.
LISTEN SINCERELY TO THE NEEDS OF OTHERS
“When Jesus heard them. . ” Matthew 20:32 If we do not care enough to listen, we do not care enough to help bring about change. Listening is hard work. It is amazing how much we can learn with out mouths shut and our ears open.
TAKE TIME TO BE PRESENT TO OTHERS
“. He stopped. . ” Matthew 20:32. If we want to demonstrate genuine care and interest in people’s live and situations, it is going to take a commitment of our time. We cannot be too busy to help.
DETERMINE THE FELT NEED OF OTHERS
“Jesus asked, ‘What do want me to do for you?’ Matthew 20:31 It is easier to talk about someone
than it is to talk to someone. Do you know why they do what they do? Are they hurting, lonely, ill-equipped for the task at hand? We will never know without talking and listening.
EMPATHIZE WITH OTHERS
“Jesus felt compassion for them” Matthew 20:34 Empathize means to hurt with them. Share their sorrow. In the words of Bill Clinton, to “Feel their pain.” When we understand why, then perhaps we can begin to help bring about change.
TOUCH OTHERS WHERE THE HURT AND NEED IS GREATEST
Matthew 20:34 “Jesus touched their eyes.” What can we do to help meet the needs of others? What kind of help can we offer? What are we willing to invest in others?
Change begins with me. If I want my world to change then maybe I need to change?
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