“The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.” ~
Too many people believe that greatness equates to wealth, prestige, or power over another. Bob Marley hits the nail squarely on the head, though, when he says that greatness is in a person’s integrity and in that person’s ability to affect those around him positively. That last word is crucial: positively.
We all have ways to affect people around us. Some of the ways are not so positive. However, we should always strive to affect people’s lives in a positive manner, to leave them better off than when we found them, to assure them that they are important, that they have value, and that they are loved.
There are a myriad of ways to achieve that goal. Sometimes it is as simple as a kind word when a person is down in the dumps. Other times it is merely by our presence. Sitting with someone without speaking any word at all can speak volumes nonetheless. The important thing to remember is that it doesn’t have to be big and flashy. Too many people fail to help others because they think it will take too much out of them or too much of their time. That is not so.
Of course, greatness in a person would never consider that question. If it takes ten seconds or if it takes ten months, the person who wants to help another will not really care. It is not the time that matters but the person needing aid.
We have all been in the position of needing someone to be kind to us or to stand up for us. We all know what that felt like. That is why it is important for us to do for others as well. We are all in this thing called “life” together. We are all journeying toward the Kingdom. It would be much better for each and every one of us if we walked down that road hand-in-hand rather than in competition with one another.
Do not forget Christ’s challenge to love one another as He loves us.
FAITH ACTION: Try to affect each person you meet this day in a positive manner. Leave them feeling better for having seen you or met you.