I am glad that we get to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. His Life contribution has helped to change the trajectory of equality and justice in the United States of America and the world.
As I reflected on the lives of influential leaders like Dr. King, I have come to discern that every great person can answer these questions:
- What do you do?
- How do you do it?
- Why do you do it?
What do you do?
In answering this question, it is important for me to clarify what I mean by “great person.” Many of us will not be on the front page of Times Magazine or make it on the prime-time news cycle or be interviewed on notable programs for the work we do. I am not talking about greatness from the person in how well known someone is. I am talking about greatness through the lens of serving others.
What you do should change the lives of others in a positive way. Your greatness is measured by your service. Jesus says and shows this best in Matthew 20: 20-28:
20 Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to Jesus with her sons, bowing down and making a request of Him. 21 And He said to her, “What do you desire?” She said to Him, “Say that in Your kingdom these two sons of mine shall sit, one at Your right, and one at Your left.” 22 But Jesus replied, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?” They said to Him, “We are able.” 23 He said to them, “My cup you shall drink; but to sit at My right and at My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by My Father.”
24 And after hearing this, the other ten disciples became indignant with the two brothers. 25 But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles domineer over them, and those in high position exercise authority over them. 26 It is not this way among you, but whoever wants to become prominent among you shall be your servant, 27 and whoever desires to be first among you shall be your slave; 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many”(NASB).
Dr. King said it well: “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”[1]Your purpose is connected to what you do in the service of others. It is the contribution that you make to improve things in the world that ultimately improve lives.
How do you do it?
To answer this question, you must have a clear understanding of your abilities, gifts, and strengths. People who are great at capitalizing on their strengths. They use them well and make a measurable impact. You must get clear on what your abilities, gifts, and strengths are. This way, you can work to further develop them to make an even greater impact. Do you know what your abilities, gifts, and strengths are?
Why do you do it?
Every great person knows the “Why” behind their actions and their efforts. Dr. King was clear on his “why.” It was clearly articulated in his famous I Have a Dream speech. Here is a snippet: [2]
“…So even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal…”
What do you envision ultimately occurring when you do what you do in the service of others? Your why must be fueled by an end state.
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[1] Friedman, L. (2021, January 14). 10 Inspiring MLK Quotes on Leadership and Purpose. Entrepreneur. Retrieved January 17, 2022, from https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/269728
[2] Read Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech in its entirety. (2022, January 14). NPR. Retrieved January 17, 2022, from https://www.npr.org/2010/01/18/122701268/i-have-a-dream-speech-in-its-entirety