The Significance of Insignificance

As facilitator of a CEO discussion group of high powered leaders, I was feeling rather good about myself. However, my confidence plummeted in an instant when the leader of the organization said, “From here on in I’ll be leading the CEO Discussion Group and I would like for you to take notes.” My immediate response was anger and defensiveness. My badly bruised ego protested, however, after a brief conversation, I reluctantly took the menial role of silent note taker…..a mere fly on the wall, barely noticed.

Little did I know that taking on the role of insignificant fly would turn into the most significant life changing role in my life. As a fly on the wall, I started to collect fascinating stories of leaders who shared agonizing challenges related to living their faith in a bottom-line world. I remember thinking, “These guys can pray to God on Sunday but walked into an entirely opposite culture Monday through Friday! This revelation lead me to write my first book, God is my CEO.

Now, 20 years later, I’ve come to understand that our significance in life oftentimes starts with seemingly insignificant acts of service. I discovered that my calling wasn’t some thunderbolt call of God to save the world but humbly accepting a seemingly insignificant role. My ego wanted to be recognized as an eagle but God gave me the assignment as a fly on the wall-being quiet, listening well, and gaining wisdom.

The next time you’ve been humbled to the point of feeling insignificant whether it being demoted, fired, or rejected, give some pause. Your response in humble faith might be the very portal of your significance.

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