I get annoyed whenever someone describes a book or a conference or a talk as “life changing.” Seems like that’s the buzz word these day. Apparently everything is “life changing.” Very few things have really changed my life. But this verse is one of the few:
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” – Proverbs 31:8-9 (NIV)
It’s become the basis of a 5 word prayer I pray to God everyday:
Help me to be helpful.
You don’t have to be a person of faith to get this.
As leaders we have power. Maybe it’s over a company or a division of a company. Maybe it’s over a team or a project. It may even be as simple as the power you have to provide for and care for your family and friends.
You have power to help those who are powerless.
Could be a division head whose division profits are dwindling.
Could be helping your team achieve something they never thought possible. Or just helping them not hate their job.
Or turning off your phone to give your wife and kids your undivided attention.
Or taking a friend out for pizza to talk and just have fun.
However much power you have, you’ve got it for a reason. Don’t use it to hurt. Use it to help.
Jeff McClung 