In episode 159, “Leave Others Better”, we talk about the importance of leaving any situation better than you found it. We give simple ways to do this in your daily life along with how to help others around you. We begin our book study mini series over Dale Carnegie’s book, “How to Win Friends and Influence People in the Digital Age” in episode 151. Learn how to develop the soft skills needed to have a positive impact, lead others well, and help point others to Christ.
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Look at Jesus
If we take a glimpse into what Jesus’ ministry looked like over the course of the three years leading up to His sacrifice on the cross, we will see a trail of people who are left better than He found them. From His first miracle of water to wine all the way until He rose from the grave, we can see that Jesus knew how to leave others better than the state they were previously in.
So, as we walk through life, one of our callings as Christians is to love God and love others. One way this can look is that we do what we can to leave others better than before we interacted with them. This means that every time we come into contact with someone, we should do what we can to show them the love of Christ. This can look so many ways depending on each situation, and that’s why we spent an entire episode dedicated to give you ideas. Be sure to scroll back up and press play so you can get some great ideas!
Humility Leads
We are called to walk humbly. This doesn’t mean head down and not interacting with anyone. This means that when we can help others, we give credit to God who has equipped us and guided us to the moment we made those choices to model God’s love. You have eyes on you constantly. This can mean kids, coworkers, non-believers, etc… We should strive to be in a constant state of building others up, being helpful, and point it all back to Christ. We know that’s easier said than done, so be sure to give yourself grace.
“Do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.”
Micah 6:8
The best example of servant leadership we have is the life of Jesus Christ. We strongly encourage you to read the gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) to hear direct accounts of the ministry of Jesus. See all of the times He chose to serve and love, even when it was difficult. Even if it’s just a small act on our part, we can always strive to leave others better than we found them.
Move Into Action
Being aware of the need to leave others better brings light to everyday moments. Be on the look out for ways to help others, even if you don’t directly know them. Be compelled to move into action as the ideas come. Pray for the Holy Spirit to prompt you , and then pray that you can hear what He’s whispering to your heart. Step into action, and make the choice to better the world moment by moment.
- return the stray grocery cart
- smile and greet the barista
- call your grandmother for a chat
- play with your children
- roll in your neighbor’s trashcan
Invest and pour into others. If you see a need, try to fill the need. Not everyone notices what you do, so that may be a nudge from the Holy Spirit. If you’re wanting to be in the sphere of influence of others (your children are a great example), make sure you’re leaving more deposits and taking less withdrawals. We talk more about what this means and what this looks like in this podcast episode, so be sure to scroll up and press play. It’s never too late to start acting on this. Just say yes! How can you add value to someone today?
“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them.”
Matthew 7:12
We hope you enjoyed episode 159, “Leave Others Better” and that you have practical, actionable steps you can take. Be sure to check out this entire How to Win Friends mini series about how to have a positive impact, lead others well, and help point others to Christ. You can do this! We’re here to help. Click the affiliate image below to get your copy of Dale Carnegies’ book.
