A New Title

The world is full of titles. And they keep changing. We have gone from Secretary to Administrative Assistant, Pastor to Executive Minister, Counselor to Life Coach / Wellness Coach, and the lists and changes go on.

Recently I was introduced to a new title. And my thoughts of this title were, " everyone can have this title." The title I am talking about is a National Opinion Leader! Wow, there it is. A distinction that most people can add to their introductions. While being introduced to a well versed educated and respected leader in the field of Liberal Arts Education, who currently serves as a Provost, the moderator included in his list of titles / degrees that he was a National Opinion Leader. My perception at that moment was some what of shock that we can consider ourselves leaders in our opinions.

While doing a little more research on being a National Opinion Leader, I learned that National Opinion Leaders are focused on shaping business and industries, influencing study and debate, spreading ideas and expanding the conversation, and influencing and setting policy. There are over 10,000 people a month visiting the washingtonpost.com website to be filters of ideas through theirs and others opinions. With these focus areas in place, I thought about and pondered how Jesus was such a leader Himself (I beleive He is truth, therefore for me to use the term opinion would be incorrect). Jesus placed himself in places to be an influencer. In fact, those places consisted of the temples, homes of sinners, among tax collectors, the sick and needy, and with people who were not like Him. It was in these groups that He shared His message of love and expounded on the teachings of life that affects all of us; finances, debates, policies /rules/law, and others. Jesus had much to say and demonstrate to us how to be filled with God's love and live our lives in such a way that we can be influencers in our commuities.

Give it a try yourself this week and see what happens. Introduce yourself to someone and include you are a National Opinion Leader. Notice their response, give them your "opinion."(And I use the termn opinion loosley). As you do, it's my prayer that you (and me) will solidify are introductions and opinions with the truth of who we are as a follower of Jesus and what He has done for us as people. While we continue to seek and share opinions, remember the scripture is clear that you shall know the Truth and the Truth shall set you free.