Stagnant water stinks – not necessarily because it is dirty, but because it does not share itself with others. A stream with flowing water on the other hand remains fresh and fragrant. If you are the kind of person who loves to hoard the good things you have, then you are stagnant water. It may seem like a good idea to hoard your possessions so that you alone can enjoy them, but soon you will discover that you are stinking to everyone around.

Many people like to hoard knowledge. The moment they know something that can impact others positively; they hide it and refuse to pass it on. Any teacher will tell you that you understand a subject better the more you teach it. This means that the more knowledge you hoard, the duller you become. If you are a student, make it a point of duty to always teach your colleagues any subject that you understand and they don’t. This way, you get a better understanding of the subject and stand a better chance of excelling in it.

Anyone who knows me well knows that I love to be number one always. My love to be number one has spurred me to always share whatever knowledge I have. The more knowledge I share, the more I receive. This is also applicable in your office; teach others how to get things done. That is what Jesus Christ would have done if He were in your shoes. Do not think that teaching others would make them better than you. Jesus said in John 13:16:
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.”

As long as you don’t relax and stop learning, then people you teach cannot know more than you. As long as you are their teacher, you will keep rising higher. Every true leader longs for the growth of others. If you try to inhibit the growth of those around you, they will end up rising above you and leading you, but if you actively pursue their growth, you will realise that God will raise you higher and continue to make you their leader.
Written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye.