For a number of years now South Africans in particular, have taken well to supporting Mandela Day. Everyone is encouraged to do 67 minutes of good deeds in the hope that a culture of selfless serving will be established in the nation. This opportunity permits children of God in corporates and business to use their influence to channel corporate funds and energy towards the plight of the vulnerable in our midst. But sometimes serving can become so institutional, routine and void of substance that the primary motive for serving is submerged under other self centered reasons for serving.
Rick Warren, author of The Purpose-Driven Life, questioned God on the purpose of his own fame and influence. God’s eye opening response clearly links serving the needs of the vulnerable to the influence and power He has permitted us to steward. In an interview Rick Warren discusses this insightful conversation with God:
“”God, what am I supposed to do with all of this new influence that you are giving me?” I’m reading through the scriptures trying to find an answer, and I find Psalm 72, which is Solomon’s prayer for more influence.
When you read this prayer it really sounds quite selfish. Solomon is the wisest and wealthiest and most powerful man in the world, because he is the head of the United Kingdom of Israel when it is at the apex of its power. He prays, “God, I want you to make me more influential. I want you to bless me and give me more power. I want you to make me famous. I want you to spread the fame of my name to many nations.”
It sounds selfish until you understand he says, “So that the king may support the widow and orphan, care
for the poor, defend the defenseless, lift up the fallen, release the captive, help the foreigner, the immigrant.”
God said to me, “The purpose of influence is to speak up for those who have no influence.” That changed my life. I had to repent. I had to say, “God, I’m sorry. I can’t think of the last time I thought about widows or orphans. They aren’t even on my agenda.””
This year Top Women for God will be supporting Rebecca’s Well for Mandela Day. Will you be using the opportunity presented by this day? How do you use your position to influence for the extension of His Kingdom?
