I spend a lot of my time trying to figure out how to empower people. I know I am willing to give individuals power and authority. I am convinced that I clearly communicate my intent. I have checked to see if my offers are conditional; I am convinced they are not. Having said all this, most of the time I have not been successful in my efforts. Some, but not many, act as though they feel that they empowered.
I have come to realize that there is one step that I have not spent much time focusing on; helping others help themselves. While service and doing what needs to be done for others comes easy, giving others the time and feedback to help them grow is anything but. Both take time and commitment. Both work from positions of trust (again taking time and commitment to build). Yet, if a person is to accept and use the power another is offering, one needs to be able to act.
The insight has come from a time of extended soul searching. Several individuals I hope will succeed, are not doing well. I am examined my side of the equation. While there are things I could do better (always a few), I do not believe they would make a material difference.
Something needs to change. An old wisdom father observed, in context of what God gives us, that “we’re able to stretch our hands out and receive what we asked for because we’re doing what he said, doing what pleases him.” (1 John 3.22)
Some have interpreted the sayings as a conditional gift. I have a different take. It is in our actions that are aligned with the empowerment that the authority we have that everything comes to life. Empowerment is often specific. Key principles, initiatives, and strategies all reflect the details. As we live the details out in our lives, the power that we have been given comes to life. It is in our belief that everything comes together. The opportunity today is to help others in their belief.
