…Well, you know
We all want to change the world
You tell me that it’s evolution
Well, you know
We all want to change the world
- In November of 1968 John Lennon’s words became an anthem for political protesters against the Vietnam war.
- In the late 1990’s, Steve Jobs reminded us that “the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.” (Remember 1984?)
- In 1917, Melvin Jones, a 38 year old Chicago insurance man, asked his business club to envision “men who are successful because of their drive, intelligence and ambition [putting] their talents to work improving their communities.”
- In 1729, John and Charles Wesley, and a couple of other “renegades” were ridiculed by their Oxford College peers as their “Holy Club” met regularly to worship and tend to the needs of local poor families, prisoners and orphans.
- A couple of thousand years ago, a Jewish carpenter of meager birth became a revolutionary that redefined and transcended the ancient Mosaic Law.
While most of us don’t consider ourselves revolutionaries, the movements we have been a part of, that we ironically accept as stabilizing aspects of our lives, started out as revolutionary ideas. Even so, we frequently struggle with having the same attitude as the parents of a young excited new General Electric employee in a recent commercial. We focus on short term successes (or lack thereof) in the past year and fail to recognize the long term implications of our efforts.
This December, better yet, this week, take a look back at the past year, or two, or ten, or thirty. Are you the revolutionary you want to be? If not, take a cue from some of the examples above! It’s NOT too late!
…and if by chance you are motivated by the last example and the direction of Matthew 19:21, call me, I can help! (sorry….I had to make the inappropriate segue)