What Revolutionaries Have in Common

Are you ready to revolutionize the culture where you live or work or play??

Do you want to follow the footsteps of Martin Luther King, Jr. who impacted history with peace? Or a legendary musician like Bono whose humanitarian efforts have raised millions of dollars? Are you interested in putting a stop to a horrific institution like slavery and creating a new future for an entire nation like Abraham Lincoln? Or maybe on a smaller scale, what about changing the lives of young people and making a lasting difference like Truett Cathy? What about liberating thousands from human trafficking like Gary Haugen? Maybe you can follow the path of Katie Davis-Majors who rescues homeless orphans from the streets of Uganda. These individuals were people of great courage who stepped onto the stage of life to make a difference. All of these history “makers and shakers” had (or have) a common idea in their heads.?

Jesus?

They followed the ideas and teachings of Jesus. He was the common thread of the tapestry of their success.?

I didn’t say they were perfect. Nor did I say they believed Jesus was the Son of GOD. However, historians tell us the message and story of Jesus was so powerful that he changed the course of their lives and the world was never the same again.

Most likely, you’re not a “maker and shaker” of history if you’re reading this. At least, not yet. But hang on! There’s more to come!? None of the aforementioned individuals knew their destiny until it was thrust upon them. You never know where life will take you.?

However, I can guarantee that if you read Jesus and follow His teachings, you’ll achieve success in the ways that matter. Because success is what happens when you follow Jesus. It can’t not happen. It’s like a faucet. Turn it on and the water flows. Follow Jesus and success flows. History tells us story after story of men and women who followed Jesus and experienced a life of success in the things that mattered most. Keep in mind they weren’t just checking religious boxes like attending Bible study, giving money to church, or being baptized. They were putting into practice the teachings of Jesus. And life was never the same again for them and for millions of others.

Jesus’ teachings were and are counterintuitive. He was a revolutionary. He goes against the grain of his society, family, and friends. People who follow him find themselves on the same road. So it’s not easy. Success never is. It’s an uphill climb on a steep and rocky path against the wind with vipers and wild animals hiding in the dark. But the individuals who are resilient and stay the course find success along the way. As a result, people are healed, restored, and given hope.?

Maybe you’re not trying to lead a revolt against injustice or trying to create a global movement around ending hunger. Maybe you want your family to get closer or your workplace to be kinder or your school to less racist. In other words, you see things could be better and your dream is to see shifts in the culture where you spend your time. That’s cool! Follow Jesus.?

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Or maybe you’re not even trying to be an influencer. Is the revolution you’re wanting to lead the one staring at you in the mirror? Maybe this year is revolutionary for you. It’s time for you to discover the life you were created to live — your greatest and truest life —? and then grow into that life. It’s time to be led by love, not controlled by fear.?

Of all the revolutions you could lead, the revolution of you is most significant.?

Read that again.?

When you change you, you’ll begin to change the world. That revolution will be most memorable to the people who matter most — your family and friends. Listen to the words of the late, pop philosopher, Michael Jackson:?

“I'm starting with the man in the mirror

I'm asking him to change his ways

And no message could have been any clearer

If you wanna make the world a better place

Take a look at yourself and then make a change.”?

How? Follow Jesus. You can’t not succeed in the things that matter when you follow Jesus. It’s impossible.?