“Then a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, my Chosen One. Listen to him.”

There wasn’t any of the normal “surprise” when the word came through that Nelson Mandela had died. At 95 and ailing, it was just a mater of time.  But still the world stopped for a moment and reflected on what one man, who was willing to go all the way for his cause and beliefs, could do to change a country and ignite change in a set of beliefs worldwide.  It is only fitting that we remember and honor his contribution and legacy.  In doing so, we best uphold his ideals by ensuring that we never let ourselves take the easy way out or cut a corner on our principles. Nelson Mandela saw a wrong that needed to be righted.  When we see wrongs within our companies, no matter how big or small, are we standing in the shadow of Mandela to ensure that the wrongs are eliminated?  Sometimes we think we don’t have any “say” or we are insignificant.  Our ability to impact and contribute is only as small as we allow our self-perception and thinking to be!

There was One who came before Mandela, who truly sacrificed His all so that everyone could receive eternal life. We will hold up a man who dies (and there is nothing wrong with this) with extreme honor and respect, but we ignore and pass away Jesus as if He never existed.  When we reflect on what one man has done, let’s not forget that one God, who became Man, left us the Way for each of us to have the greatest impact of all.  It is right to stop and reflect and honor a man who passes such as a Nelson Mandela.  Let us also today use that reflection time to recommit ourselves to He who set a standard above all others.

Reference: Luke 9:35 (New Living Translation)