“The further you go in life, the more you realize what you’re going to leave this Earth. It’s not going to be, ‘It was a great platform. It was great to win the Super Bowl,’ but really and truly what you’re going to leave on this Earth is the influence on others.” – Coach Joe Gibbs
PLATFORM has many meanings. If you’re a tech person, it’s a standard for the hardware of a computer that determines what type of software can be run. If you’re a politician, it’s a policy or point of view you share with potential voters or constituents. If you’re in the arts, entertainment or ministry…a PLATFORM is both a raised stage used so you can be seen by your audience, and the influence or reach the figurative ‘stage’ provides. These days, many are seeking platforms to get their gifts and concepts out to the public. This blog is a small platform – thousands have read these words, hopefully with positive impact.
Everyone has a platform. Each of us already has an
audience we influence sometimes daily or weekly. You may not be the main teacher or preacher, but each week you prepare a lesson for a class, or even for your children. You aren’t a recording artist, but you are dedicated to offering worship before the LORD each week. You may not be Dr. Phil or Iyanla Vanzant, but you’ve given counsel and prayed for friends and family members in distress. Because you’ve lived 20, 30, 50 years or more, you’ve had the chance to be an example, to inspire, to sway, to guide and encourage others in significant ways.
TD Jakes said, God allows and sometimes designs our trials to be a platform. What you’re going through, and how people observe you handling difficulties is an influential stage. That’s why Christians refer to the lives of Job, Esther and Joseph. That’s also why the cross of Christ holds such power. Jesus used His platform to display His passion – His willingness to love, suffer and die to save His enemies. Christ warned His disciples that persecution would be the Gospel’s platform:
“Don’t be naive. Some people will impugn your motives, others will smear your reputation-just because you believe in me. Don’t be upset when they haul you before the civil authorities. Without knowing it, they’ve done you-and me-a favor, given you a platform for preaching the kingdom news! And don’t worry about what you’ll say or how you’ll say it. The right words will be there; the Spirit of your Father will supply the words. (Matthew 10:17-20, MSG)
Harry Belafonte is an actor and pioneer in the Civil Rights movement. He said, “My activism has always existed. My art gave me the platform to do something about the activism.” This perspective begs the question, “Why has God allowed you to be in the situation you’re in? Why do you burn for the cause that’s in your heart? How can God get glory through you there? Who will be positively or negatively affected by the way you handle your platform?” You have one.
