About ten years ago, I found myself on a plane chatting with one of the South African cabinet ministers. Our conversation turned to the tragic collapse of a hostel at Prophet Joshua’s stronghold in Nigeria, where many lives were lost. I asked if anyone would be held accountable for this disaster. The minister replied that the Prophet had too much “Power.” Curious, I asked what he meant by “Power.” He explained that with the imminent elections in Nigeria, no one wanted to “stir the pot.”
I then suggested that if the Prophet were stripped of his title, how much power would he really have?
It’s astonishing how the world, in its vast ignorance, assumes that “power” is tied to titles, money, education, investments, cars, houses, clothes, fame, and so on.
Understand this: “Power” does not reside on the outside. If someone who relies on their fame to feel powerful were to lose it all, how powerful would they really be? Take Oscar Pistorius as an example. We see the same with political leaders who cling to their titles. Once they lose those titles, they often seem like empty shadows—lost and aimless.
Your power is within you. You can make a difference in your life and in the lives of others. If you wait for someone or something else to make that difference, you might wait forever. Most of the world’s population is waiting—for a government, an NGO, a person, an organization, a church, a spouse, a friend, a Prophet. They see these entities as their “Savior.” This dependency makes it easy for pastors, prophets, political leaders, business leaders, and media leaders to manipulate the masses.
What is this power that makes you powerful? What brings real freedom and requires brutal honesty with oneself?
Responsibility!
Our late President Nelson Mandela said it perfectly at his inauguration as South Africa’s first democratically elected president: “For with freedom comes responsibilities.” Many people think that freedom means freedom from responsibility.
I have always taught that change comes only when one becomes aware.
We must be aware that our lives will never change until we accept the responsibility to change them. Most people prefer to blame others—circumstances, government, spouse, weather, God, pets—rather than accept the responsibility to improve their lot in life.
Your power is simple: You can change anything when you stop making excuses and accept responsibility.
Now that you know, no more excuses, no more pointing fingers, no more waiting for someone or something else to make you happy. You are responsible for your life, happiness, moods, relationships, well-being, and world.
Are you aware now?
Galileo said, “You can’t teach anybody anything. You have to let them discover it for themselves.” Only when you internalize the message and accept the responsibility to act on it will you truly learn.
John Maxwell suggested, “Most people would rather change their circumstances to improve their lives, but they need to change themselves to improve their circumstances.”
Do you agree with him? When you do and act on it, you become aware.
Mark Batterson said, “You are only one defining decision away from a totally different life.”
Make that decision today, now, this very minute, immediately—to become extraordinary. No more excuses.
I look forward to hearing about your wonderful experiences as you take back your responsibility. This is your Power.
Stephen Covey summed it up perfectly: “Your ultimate freedom is the right and power to decide how anybody or anything outside of yourself will affect you.”
Take charge, take a chance, design your own life, don’t be a puppet. Live your life with passion and have fun, because life is fun!
Your friend,
Dave
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