Ever caught yourself wondering, Who am I really trying to impress? Maybe it’s at work, in your relationships, even at church—feeling that pull to prove something. Like if people see us the right way, maybe that means we’re doing life right. But let’s be honest, that game is exhausting.
And Jesus? He flipped that whole mindset upside down.
The Power of Words: Speak Life, Not Death
Do you ever notice how words stick? Someone could’ve complimented you years ago—told you that you had a gift, that you were going places—and you still carry that encouragement. But the flip side? Someone said you weren’t enough, and suddenly, that voice echoes in your mind at the worst times. Proverbs 18:21 tells us, The tongue has the power of life and death.
Words shape people. They shape us. That’s why what we say behind closed doors, when no one’s listening (or so we think), really matters. People remember how we talk about them when they’re not in the room. So, are we speaking life? Or planting seeds of doubt and negativity?
At Faith Church, we talk about creating a culture of honor. That means honoring up, honoring down, honoring all around. That’s not just for leadership—it’s for all of us. Honoring the server at a restaurant, the janitor in the hallway, the cashier at the grocery store. Because real leadership—the kind Jesus modeled—is about lifting others up, not climbing over them.
The High Road Is the Way Up
Jesus walked into a room full of disciples who had been trekking dusty roads, stepping in who-knows-what, and He did something that shocked them—He grabbed a towel and washed their feet. The King of Kings got down to serve. Why? Because the way up is down.
Sometimes we think strength is about being the loudest in the room. Having all the answers. Controlling the narrative. But Jesus showed us that true strength is in humility. The ability to say, I don’t know it all. I don’t have to be the most important person in the room. I can serve, and it doesn’t take away from who I am.
Ask yourself: Am I too big to do small things? Because if I am, I’m actually too small to do big things.
Crave Feedback, Not Approval
A lot of us resist feedback because, well, it feels like criticism. But if we don’t allow people to speak into our lives, how do we expect to grow? The strongest leaders aren’t the ones who know everything—they’re the ones who listen.
In our church leadership meetings, we have a time to reflect—what worked, what didn’t, what needs to change. Why? Because growth doesn’t happen without correction. Think about it: If no one ever told you spinach was stuck in your teeth, you’d walk around smiling at people like life was great… not knowing everyone was trying to avoid eye contact.
We need people in our lives who can say, Hey, you might want to adjust that. But we have to be willing to listen. Proverbs 18:24 says, A person who has friends must be friendly. That means being approachable, open, and humble enough to receive correction without getting defensive.
So, do you crave feedback, or are you just looking for validation?
People Follow Real, Not Perfect
Have you ever met someone who always has the right answer? The one who never admits when they’re wrong? Yeah… those aren’t the people we feel closest to. People don’t connect with perfect—they connect with authentic.
Think about the leaders who’ve made the biggest impact on you. Were they the ones who had it all together, or the ones who weren’t afraid to be real?
That’s why Jesus drew crowds. He didn’t act like the religious elite. He sat with sinners, tax collectors, the outcasts. He didn’t need to impress anyone—His goal was transformation, not applause.
The Secret to Being More Likable? Care More.
Want to know people’s favorite topic? Themselves. It’s human nature. That’s why if you want to connect with someone, ask about them. Their interests. Their passions. Their struggles. People don’t remember what you said as much as how you made them feel.
Take this challenge: The next time you meet someone, ask a question about their life—and actually listen. If you can remember even one small detail and bring it up the next time you see them, they’ll feel seen in a way that most people never do.
Jesus was the master of this. He didn’t just preach—He noticed people. He saw Zacchaeus up in that tree. He called people by name. He spoke to the heart, not just the situation.
Are You Leading With Love?
Leadership isn’t about titles. You might not think of yourself as a leader, but if you influence anyone—your kids, your friends, your coworkers—you’re leading. The question is, how?
- Do you praise in public and correct in private? Or do you embarrass people for the sake of making a point?
- Do you seek to understand before seeking to be understood?
- Do you lead with grace, or are you quick to judge?
Jesus was clear—when you’ve done it for the least of these, you’ve done it for Me. True leadership isn’t about power. It’s about serving.
What Legacy Are You Leaving?
At the end of the day, people won’t remember your job title, your bank account, or how many followers you had. They’ll remember how you made them feel. Did they feel encouraged? Did they feel loved? Did they see Jesus in you?
So, let’s stop trying to impress the world and start making an impact. The kind that lasts. The kind that echoes into eternity.
This week, let’s be intentional about who we’re serving and how we’re leading. Speak life. Seek feedback. Lead with love. And most importantly—let’s follow Jesus’ example of humility.
Who in your life needs encouragement today? Reach out. Speak life over them. Let’s build a culture of honor together.