“There are three types of people in this world: those who make things happen, those who watch things happen, and those who wonder what happened.”  Mary Kay Ash, American Businesswoman 

When you show initiative, you do things without being told; you find out what you need to know, you keep going when things get tough; and you take advantage of opportunities that others pass by. When we show initiative, it is a sign of becoming a good leader, be it in our homes or on our jobs. 

I write this message today because of a young person I observed recently who worked diligently with enthusiasm in carrying out her duties. This young person was all over the place doing whatever she could do to ensure everything was organized and ready for completion.  Once she completed one task, she just continued in other areas where she saw a need. She was truly impressive to the point that I said to myself, “This young lady is going to go places if she continues to unselfishly offer support in such a favorable way. We never know who is watching, for it may be a person who is in the right place at the right time to aide and assist us.

Initiative is also seeking and doing what needs to be done before being asked or told to do so. We simply see the need and jump right in to assist in whatever ways we can.   

Parents, we should impress, teach, and encourage our children to practice and show how they can provide a helping hand when not asked to do so. Teach them to volunteer their services to a cause or effort without being asked. A child who has initiative will do his/her chores and homework without being told or asked to do so. I believe that when a child starts to volunteer their services, it is a sign of greater things to happen in their lives. Great leaders are persons who have shown initiative throughout their early lives and careers. Sometimes the parent has to model behavior that would support this subject matter.

A husband can show his resourcefulness by sharing with household responsibilities like washing dishes, vacuuming, cooking, etc. when there is a need, and not being asked. Inviting the family out for an excursion without being asked may be exactly what they need. They will respect and appreciate us for it.  

We all can show initiative by putting aside our stereotypical behaviors and pitching in where and when there is the opportunity. Life would be so much better if we would reach out and help one another when it is convenient to do so.   

One of the reasons people are lacking in this area may be due to laziness or lack of interest. Scripture says, “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”  

Jesus said, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). When we show initiative, we are allowing God’s light to shine in us and allows others to see God’s goodness in us.

It can be irritating and frustrating when involved in completing a task or project on your job, and others stand by and observe you carry the load. A person who has initiative will wake up in the morning excited and enthusiastic about what challenges God has placed before them, knowing they will overcome them.

Apostle Paul writes, “Let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up, Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone, especially to those in the family of faith” (Galatians 6:9). On our Christian journey we can show initiative by carrying out the work of God without being asked. We do it to please God and not for recognition. All of us should take the initiative of being a servant of God and doing good deeds as God’s children.    

Try doing something today that will be pleasing to others without being asked. It may be as simple as visiting or calling a family member or friend.

Not a sermon, just my thoughts!

Robert Earl Slade, Pastor