Empowering People

I have been thinking about this theme lately of empowering people.  The question that I have been asking is: "what is it that truly empowers people to freedom and responsibility?"  I am speaking mostly of leaders in the church, and in my generation.  I believe that each generation has a different method, culture, DNA, etc that will either enslave people or empower them.  I believe without a doubt in my mind that the heart of the Father is always to empower His people and give them true freedom that creates great responsibility and ownership. 

We as leaders have to realize that people are not meant to be controlled, never.  Our responsibility as leaders is to help people realize their potential and destiny in God.  We release them as FREE sons and daughters to be powerful people.  We do not manipulate or control them in any way.  Honor is empowering people, not controlling them.  The only control that I am responsible for is called SELF-control, not other control.  Honor and humility is giving strength and a voice to the individual, therefore giving them confidence that they are influential and powerful and created to make a difference!  Yes, this is the key we are created to make a difference in this world for the Kingdom of God.  Are you with me?

You see, Jesus Christ never controlled hearts and minds.  He allowed people to make their own choices whether or not they would love him and lay their lives down for Him.  Take for example the guys on the road to emmaus.  The scripture says, "did not our hearts burn within us as we walked and talked with that man (my paraphrase)?"  You see people were precisely drawn to Jesus because He empowered them to think, create, wonder, and be influential and change makers. 

Therefore friends, in whatever context you have influence today I beg you not to control those 'under' you, for they are really UNDER God and not you.  Would you honor them and love them for who they are created to be and give them the benefit of the doubt when they fail or make mistakes.  If you are a leader in any way, whether at work or in the church...realize that your leadership is a means to servant hood.  Honor created freedom and enables for great success!  Yippie!