Think back – maybe way back for some of us – to chemistry class. There we learned about chemical reactions and how two different substances could be combined and, with the proper catalyst, you could end up with a substance that was totally different from the first two. The catalyst caused the chemicals to combine at a deep, cellular level.

Here’s the thing, this can be used for good–

or it can be used for evil.

Sadly, this week in the Boston Marathon bombings, we have seen the effects of a destructive catalyst. The search is on for this catalyst(s). A pressure cooker, ball bearings, batteries, circuit boards – all of those are simple, inanimate objects. The problem comes when you have a destructive catalyst who uses those components to hurt people on a massive scale and at a deep level.

A destructive catalyst is a person with strengths – often a very intelligent person. But those strengths are grossly misapplied. And that’s when they become dangerous.

We need good catalysts – those who use their strengths to effect good changes on a massive scale instead. In Boston, right after the explosion, we immediately saw these good catalysts surface – they were average citizens who helped traumatized strangers; they were emergency responders, doctors, and nurses. We call good catalysts heroes.

This week is a reminder that we need more heroes – more leaders who are willing to be good catalysts to bring about the changes that are needed in our homes, our businesses, our ministries, and our country.

Use your strengths wisely. Just think how different the world would be if everyone applied their strengths as a good catalyst.

Be a catalyst…and be a great one!