Inspiring Others

We are living in a time when everyone needs inspiration.

Inspiration to keep going.

Inspiration to help others.

Inspiration to keep a positive outlook.

Inspiration to stay focused on God's leading and will.

Inspiration to keep a smile on their face and hope in their heart.

I believe that God is calling us to use the gifts and talents He has entrusted us with to inspire other people.  Yes, we need inspiration ourselves.  It's hard to give something you don't have yourself.  But the goal of our inspiration should be to take the inspiration and share it with others.
Greatness is inspiring others to be their best. Ken Poirot
What are some ways you can inspire others?

Inspire through your words.  Speak words of affirmation.  Speak words of encouragement.  Speak words of challenge.

I remember years ago, I had been invited to be the children's pastor at a large, growing church.  It was my first role in a mega church and I wasn't sure I could do the job.  I had never worked or led on that kind of scale.  I started having self-doubts and anxiety.

But something happened that changed that.  What was it?  What happened was someone inspired me with their words.  The pastor I was serving with called me aside one day and said these words to me.

I BELIEVE IN YOU!

Hearing that inspired me in the ministry.  I felt a new confidence flood through my veins.  It helped me minister with confidence. 

If you want to start inspiring people, then speak words of encouragement.  Your words have the power to lift up others or discourage them.  Acknowledge people's strengths and inspire them to always do their best.

Inspire through your attitude.

I have seen people who have a life-threatening illness keep a good attitude.  I have witnessed people who were going through tough times continue trusting and worshiping God.

With all the craziness going on in our world right now, you can be a great testimony for God by keeping a great attitude.

When I was growing up, there was a man in our church whose name was Ronald McDonald.  I'm serious.  Just think, Ronald McDonald attended our church! (insert laughter here)

Ronald had a disease that caused him to not be able to walk without braces on his legs and a walking cane.  He volunteered to be one of the greeters who welcomed people into the church.  Every week,  I would see him smiling as he served as a greeter.  Knowing it wasn't easy to stand there and greet when you are in pain.  But he was always there.  Smiling.  Talking.  Welcoming those who came.

When Ronald's son, who was a teenager at the time, was in a terrible car wreck and died, I thought he would be so devastated, that he would stop greeting.

Nope.  He kept right on serving as a greeter.  In spite of the physical pain and the emotional pain from losing his son, he kept smiling and greeting.

And I continued to watch him and be inspired by him.

It doesn't end there.

He had a little girl.  She was 4 or 5 years old.  They accidentally left a handgun in their bedroom out in the open.  She picked it up and was playing with it when they were in another part of the house.  The gun went off and killed her.

After that happened, I thought Ronald would lose his smile.  I thought he would be angry at God and drop out of church.

But he didn't quit.  Though the unbearable pain he was experiencing, he kept smiling, he kept welcoming people as they came in to church.

This inspired me.  He inspired me to always stay faithful as I serve Jesus.  He inspired me to trust God even when bad things happen.  He taught me to love Jesus when it's easy and when it's hard.

People are watching you.  Yes, they are listening to your words of encouragement, but even more they are watching your life...your attitude....your faith in God.

Be an inspiration to them.

Inspire through your actions.  Being inspired by God can change your life.  And it can also inspire the people who are watching your actions.  Your actions can help others to be more determined.  Your actions can be a force for God.  Remember, your actions speak louder than your words.

Also be committed to excellence with your actions.  When you bring excellence to everyday tasks, it will inspire others to go beyond ordinary.  To go from good to great.

Inspire through your authenticity.  Be yourself.  God wants you to inspire through your life, not your version of someone else's life.  Be a first rate version of yourself rather than trying to be a second rate version of someone else.  You can even inspire others through your failures, when you humbly admit them and share how God is continuing to grow you.

Stay accountable and humble if you want to inspire others.

Inspire your family.  Inspire your co-workers.  Inspire your friends.  Inspire the next generation that is watching you.

Now is the time to step up and be an inspiration.  

Your turn.  What are some other important factors that are needed to inspire others?  Who has inspired your on your journey?  Share your thoughts and insight with us in the comment section below.