Jesus Style Leadership 3 - Crop & FaithParaugs

Don’t Give Up

Leadership Lesson

If you give up, there will be no Crop.

Read Galatians 6:7–10.

Comment

I hope that you have not grown weary as you have studied all the requirements for producing a Crop. It’s true that Jesus-style leadership is a challenging calling. God has higher standards for those He gifts to influence others, and followers have high expectations of what leaders should be able to do for them. And then there are the pressures we put on ourselves. Sometimes leadership is tiring and disappointing. Eventually, you will be tempted to give up, to stop trying, and to leave it to others who seem to be more gifted, more confident, or more successful. But not giving up is critical for Crop. As Paul says, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (6:9). One thing is absolutely sure: your Crop will not grow if you give up. Crop require perseverance. You will grow tired at times, and you will need to find ways to refresh as a leader—to retreat with God, to rest, to enjoy friends and good things, to have healthy boundaries, to exercise, to holiday, etc. But please don’t give up. There is a certain harvest to come if we do not give up (6:9).

Prayer

The focus on Crop has brought many challenges. I need to remain close to You, so my branch produces good fruit. I need to give it my best—to work hard to serve You and not give up. I need to fan my gift into flame. All this is challenging, but I’m trusting that as I work together with You, my mentors, and my team, I will make good use of the resources you have given me and that you will produce a significant Crop through me that will last forever.

Personal Reflection

A useful question for Jesus-style leaders is: “What personal challenge is most likely to cause me to give up as a leader?” It could be disappointment or frustration. It could be a particular temptation or laziness. It could be insensitivity or a lack of love. It could be my own fears or insecurities. Have a go at answering this question, and if possible, talk to a mentor about it.