The Vineyard- April 26, 2015

The Vineyard

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. – John 15:5

 

Oh, To Be Like Him!

The value of spiritual leadership cannot be underestimated in this fallen world. Aspiring to do more than just fill a pew is essential to the kingdom's work and the blessing of God.

The parable of talents in Matthew 25:14-30 teaches us many things about leadership. 

1.      Great leaders take the initiative.  Even when specific instructions are not provided, they act responsibly with what they know the Master would want them to do. 

2.      Great leaders tend to be intensive.  They are not deterred by those who would rather hide their talents. 

3.      Great leaders focus on the incentive.  They are rewarded by the Master and given even greater responsibility in the future. 

Jesus taught and exemplified all the qualities of great leadership. But perhaps the most dynamic quality of all was His ability to lead by letting His students see for themselves. Life to Him was experiential. He sent His students on assignments, provided hands-on visual aids and, in the end, He expected them to do even more than He had accomplished.

 

"Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” - John 14:12 (NIV)