The worlds most influential people...supposedly

TIME magazine recently published the 100 most influential people in the world for 2008. In this 84-page article, you’ll find some of the most brilliant thinkers, the most powerful politicians, the most talented artists, singers, and writers, and the most courageous people in our global society. The article highlights those who have influenced the world for both good and for evil. Certainly all of these men and women have earned a name-recognition in world history.

Many were awarded this honor of influence due to raw talent, whether in the sciences or the arts, whether in theory or in business. Some achieved greatness because of their roles in society as leaders of governments, religions, or corporations, or as revolutionaries of thought, politics, or medicine. Yet of all the influential people spot lighted in TIME, there are two people who were overlooked, yet who have the potential to be the most powerful influences for good in our society. These two people may not be political leaders or deep thinkers; they may not have extensive education or strokes of brilliant ideas; in fact, their roles in society are some of the least lauded or acclaimed jobs in today’s world views yet they perform perhaps the single most important function in global society. These two people are mom and dad. That may sound facetious, but think of the influence good parents can have on their children.

We are dealing today with yesterday’s problems and tomorrow’s children will deal with the seeds sown today. Perhaps fewer people would steal, lie, or cheat if they learned responsibility and work ethic from their fathers; perhaps fewer crimes would be committed if children were taught proper love and respect from their mothers; perhaps fewer social injustices would occur if honesty and integrity were exemplified by parents; perhaps there would be fewer divorces or single parenting homes if mom and dad were always faithful and loyal to each other and demonstrated selfless service. We can only reap what we sow.

On the other hand, tomorrows leaders will be a product of today’s children. Consider what our society would be like if every father was diligent in teaching his children ethics in work, honesty among men, and integrity in character. What would political and social philosophies be if every mother taught her children love for others, compassion in service, and respect for women? Where would our society focus efforts if parents taught unity through example, loyalty to loved ones, and dignity in morality. I think you get the point.

Parents have an immense potential in influencing young minds. The children we raise today will be tomorrow’s leaders and revolutionaries, heroes and pioneers, scientists and thinkers, artists and entertainers, builders and titans. If anyone is concerned about our present or future society, take a closer look at your own home. YOU can make a difference one child at a time. There may be multiple influences for your children, but you and your spouse are the 2 most influential people in the world to them.