How to change the world. Just add water...

Wouldn’t we all like to change the world? To make the world around us a better place? Adam and Eve ate fruit from the forbidden tree thinking it would change their world. Hitler sought to take over Europe because he wanted to change the world. Gandhi used his words to try and change the world. From the beginning of time there have been those who desired to change the world, myself and friends included. But how is this possible? I am not a general in the world’s most powerful army or a national figure that can address an audience of thousands at one time. This idea of changing the world seems so overwhelming. Yet, there is hope because to change the world you first must change one person’s world.

Sound too simplistic to you? Or maybe just naïve, you’re thinking, “He’s only 22. Wait till he sees what the ‘real’ world is like”. Well I want to propose a new style of leadership and a new way of living that could very well change the world. No, I won’t be the one doing the changing, at least not all of it, but together you’ll be surprised what we can do.

A few years ago I took an international relations class at ACU and we discussed a theory called the “Tragedy of the Commons” by Garrett Hardin. The theory outlines a “situation in which multiple individuals, acting independently, and solely and rationally consulting their own self-interest, will ultimately deplete a shared limited resource even when it is clear that it is not in anyone's long-term interest for this to happen”. Why is this so true even today when our available resources are far greater than at any point in history? Because we live in a society that supports and encourages narcissism and egotism, a society that tells you and I that everything is and should be about us.

Imagine the impact we could have if we decided that we would no longer buy into this idea and instead strove to serve those around us by putting their interests first. There would be no tragedy of the commons, and in its place would be a thriving community brought together by the work and lives they shared with one another. How would everyday simple tasks such as driving to work be different or more complex relationships such as marriage changed? Would our work be more enjoyable if it wasn’t always about beating out your coworkers and instead about serving one another for the good of the whole?

Some of you reading this may think I’ve gone a little crazy or become some sort of radical, “I mean is he supporting socialism or even worse national healthcare?” No I’m not. Others may say, “He’ll never make it through law school with an attitude like that! How will he ever live up to his potential?” I assure you I will do well in law school (don't worry mom!) and live up to my God given potential. How am I so sure of this? Because 2,000 years ago a carpenter, Jesus of Nazareth, came to earth and change it forever; and he didn’t come with a sword or a pen and podium. Jesus changed the world with a towel and a basin filled with water, and I believe we can too.



“When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. ‘Do you understand what I have done for you?’ he asked them. ‘You call me Teacher and Lord, and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.’”
--John 13:12-17