Great Ideas

Truth, especially nurturing, positive, and life giving truth cannot be owned, controlled, and manipulated.  In spite of the way many attempt to accomplish the impossible with truth, life demonstrates otherwise.  While we are free to accept or reject, it is always important to remember that everyone has an equal right to this gift. 
 
Idea theft is rampant in corporate life.  Share something and within hours or days you find your idea in another’s presentation of their latest and best proposal.  Asked where the idea came from and you will simply get a wry smile with a story that everyone knows to be blatantly untrue.  In spite of this, it is impossible to hide and own great ideas.  The problem comes in that one cannot do every presentation.  Secondly, many ideas apply to an area that you are not responsible for; as a result few are willing to listen to you in that area.  Third, there isn’t enough time to champion every good idea that crosses one’s mind.  Picking and choosing which idea to become associated with is an art in itself.
 
I find myself facing a strange irony.  I know and understand others are going to run with and get credit for great ideas that came from my imagination.  If they acknowledge the source then I often become one of their greatest supporters.  There is something magical when one knows that the idea is shared among a team, especially when everyone contributes to its birth. 
 
God has given each the wonderful gift of love.  We may think we deserve love but the depth, quantity, and way that God’s life impacts in our lives is something far beyond anything that relates to a reward or due.  It is easy to get into a debate about who owns compassion, mercy, and acceptance; but the power in these ideas and principles are owned directly by God.  We would do wise if we “don't bicker among yourselves over” (John 6.43) the best ideas.  We cannot own them; the best we can do is live them and give them away.