By John Paschall, Servant Leader

Are You a Grasshopper or A Giant?

One of my favorite stories in the Bible comes from the book of Numbers.  The Lord instructs Moses to send Israel into the Promised Land and see what He has in store for them.  Moses follows these instructions, gathering up a group of men, sending them into Canaan.  When the group returns, they were ready to give their report.  “The land flows with milk and honey,” they said, “But…”  (When there’s a “but,” it usually isn’t good).  They told Moses that the people living in the Promised Land were “great in stature,” and because of this, they would never be able to go against them and win.  In their eyes, the people of Canaan were giants, and the Reconnaissance Team said that in comparison, they looked like grasshoppers.  They were trusting what they were seeing with their eyes, instead of having faith in the vision that God set before them and the promise that He said was theirs. 

This is a good demonstration about perspective and vision. How do you see yourself – are you a grasshopper or a giant?  Do you see yourself as a giant?  Do you have what it takes to face your fears or failures and turn them into successes?  Or do you see yourself as a grasshopper – small and shadowed by the “real” giants around you?  The way we see ourselves determines how we will act.  The way we act will determine how others will see us.  The way others see us will determine how they will treat us – and will have a major impact on the success or failure of our business.  If we see ourselves as insignificant, others will treat us like we are insignificant. But if we see ourselves as winners – as giants, we have a much better chance at overcoming any obstacle in our path!  This is another way of saying that “Attitude determines Altitude!”

This concept “Grasshoppers or Giants” has the potential of far-reaching effects.  The concept can work for us as individuals, families, businesses, communities and countries.  Speaking of your business – what is your business?  Is it a Grasshopper or a Giant?  “We are a giant!” you say.  Well that is wonderful!  I am glad that YOU see your business as able to handle challenges and overcome the obstacles keeping you from greater success.  Here is a tougher question – what do your EMPLOYEES think?  Do they think they are a grasshopper or a giant?  Do they think the company is a grasshopper or a giant?  No doubt, you have a huge influence over your company and how it performs.  But your employees play an even bigger role in determining whether or not you and your company will be successful!

So, once you have fixed your attitude and begin to see yourself as a Giant, make sure you are remaining humble and clearly understand the fact that it is your team, your employees who will make that happen.  Be sure to focus on their attitudes as well – make sure that they see themselves and their company as a Giant, not a Grasshopper!  When this happens, then they will even begin to challenge you with the “great and mighty things” that they are convinced they and their company can achieve!

If we can help you, please call on us and let us know what we can do.  We are here for you.  Continue building your better business and have a great month!