Judges 8:23
"And Gideon said unto them, I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you: the LORD shall rule over you."
The one thing that separates a person from anyone else is whether or not they are a life changer. Life changers make an impact upon a society. Life changers make the best leaders. Life changers are the best Christians who make the greatest impact in their ministry and church. There are many people serving the LORD, but it is the life changers who are making the difference in their world.
There are four groups of people who are represented in this chapter, but only one was worthy of God using to lead His people and that was Gideon. God used Gideon because he was a life changer. When you look at these four groups, it is very evident what component made Gideon a life changer.
The first group who could not change lives were the men of Ephraim. These men were glory seekers. After Gideon and his army of three hundred men came back from the battle, the men of Ephraim were upset because they wanted to be part of the battle so they could get the glory. Glory seekers never change lives for the better because they are in it for themselves. Selfish glory seekers will hurt people if they must for the sake of getting the glory. If you are serving the LORD for the sake of recognition, then your glory seeking will keep you from becoming a life changer.
The second group who could not change lives were the men of Succoth. These men were fear mongers. They would not help Gideon because he had yet to kill their enemy. They allowed fear to keep them from helping in the battle. Those who are always holding back because of fear will never become a life changer. Life changers are not out for self preservation, but they are willing to risk all to change lives. If you are afraid to step out and help people because of what might happen to you, then you will never become a life changer.
The third group who could not change lives were the men of Israel because they were men seekers. They wanted Gideon to be their leader because of his great victory. Men seekers never change lives because their eyes are upon man. Men seekers follow the "in crowd" and are never willing to stand alone if that is what is needed to defend truth. As long as you have your eyes upon man, you will never be able to become a life changer.
The fourth group is found in Gideon, and the reason he was a life changer is because he was a God seeker. He said in the verse above that God was to rule in the lives of men. Friend, this is the sole component needed to become a life changer. Keeping your eyes on God will keep these other three areas from becoming a part of your life. God is the One Who changes lives, and until you keep your eyes solely upon Him you will never change one life.
Which component drives you? If you want to be a life changer, then you need to become a God seeker. God seekers are the only ones who make an impact on the lives of others. I encourage you to become a God seeker so that the lives of those with whom you come in contact can be changed.