Dear Friends,
One of the most significant books I read in seminary
was not a textbook on theology, but a paperback best seller by Dale Carnegie
titled How to Win Friends and Influence People. This classic was one of
the most important books I have ever read, for it was filled with insights on
how to connect and build relationships with others.
Relationships are key to success in every area
of our lives. Successful and productive people find ways to connect and build
positive relationships with others.
Successful people are those who not only
connect with others; they add value to others.
When I think of Jesus, I think of how he spent
so much of his life connecting with and adding value to people.
Whether it was Zacchaeus, Nicodemus, the
Samaritan woman, or little children, they felt of value when they were with
him.
Following in the footsteps of Jesus would
remind us that he loved people, and the people he loved were changed, for
loving people is the most powerful agent of change.
I love being around 'plus' people. They are
the people who add value to our lives. We are drawn to them because we know
that when we are with them, they will make our lives just a little bit better.
Ecclesiastes 10:12 (AMP) says "The words
of a wise man's mouth are gracious and win him favor, but the lips of a fool
consume him."
It is not only our words but our actions that
attract or repel others. Are you an 'adder' or a 'subtracter’? Do people flock
to you because they love being around you, or do they run from you to avoid
you?
Connecting with and valuing people takes a
degree of intentionality. We need to 'make' time to consciously think of
ways we could add value to others and in doing so make their lives a little
better.
Our actions don't have to be monumental
to make a difference in someone's life. One can start small. It's not the size
of the action but thoughtfulness behind the action that counts.
However, this kind of thoughtfulness takes
intentionality. If we don't take time to think of those ways we can make a
difference, we won't be difference makers.
Add value kind of people are always on the lookout
for ways they can make one's life a little better.
A card or note, a phone call, a timely visit,
a delivered dinner, small gift are all meaningful and thoughtful acts of
kindness that can make a difference in another's life.
I recently listened to a podcast by John
Maxwell who told how his nine-year-old grandson had sought to make a difference
in other people's lives.
John had recently challenged him to add value
to people, and his grandson eagerly welcomed the challenge.
He said, "Papa, I know what I'm going to
do tomorrow to add value to people. I'm going to open the doors for people,
and I'm not only going to open doors, but I am going to smile at them and say,
'have a good day.'"
The next evening, John received a call from
his grandson. "Papa, Papa, I want you to know I opened 42 doors
today." And you know what: that little boy made a difference in 42
lives that day.
This 9-year-old boy got the message, and in
his own way, like Jesus, he demonstrated he valued people.
Valuing people takes 'up front' thinking. It
probably won't happen spontaneously.
Why not take a few minutes today and ask God
to show you what you can do or say that might make a difference in someone's
life? I promise you that you'll make two people glad you did.
Yours in faith and friendship,
Tom
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