The Seeds of Leadership
Apple Seeds Don't Yield Pears
God has a plan that enables excellence, but it must align with Truth, being confirmed by the Holy Spirit. But, how do we know truth when we hear it? Is Truth revealed through the Bible, or is it merely perceived any way a person imagines truth to be? Lastly, does it have anything to do with the world we live in today?For the last thirty years of my life, I've put to test everything that I've read, heard, or listened to. Scrutinized and analyzed much overly so - and not because I get some kind of joy out of it, but because being this way is an involuntary part of my personality. The search for truth grew as I searched for it. I tried almost everything under the sun. What I learned is astonishing, refreshing, but very challenging. It has to do with seeds, and a universal law. Every seed yields fruit of its' kind.
Genesis 1:11 reads: "And God said, let the Earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the Earth, and it was so."
Just as seeds require soil, rain, and sunlight to grow in order to yield fruit - people require cultivating as well.
The truth, is a seed, and when it is planted deep within the fertile soil of our soul, watered, and exposed to light, none can deny feeling like they come alive, with refreshing, knowledge and hope. This is spiritual growth, and "fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself" - the fruit of Truth. However, it is also challenging, because the fruit of Truth yield the seeds of change. But the seeds of change can remain unwatered, in dark, and fruitless if the steward of the vinyard declines to take care.
Everything we do, say, and take in through the eyes yields a "fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself." Therefore, it is important to ask ourselves what have we been planting in the fertile soil of our soul? What kind of seeds are budding and yielding fruit in our lives?" In order to examine the harvest, we must examine the fruit. Fruit is bound by universal law.
"And God said, let the Earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the Earth, and it was so." -Genisis 1:11
Each one of us plants hundreds of seeds into the soil of our soul each day. When those seeds are watered - they emerge in search of sunlight and bear fruit after his kind. In other words, apple seeds don't yield pears.
The Seeds of Leadership
Throughout history, we have three kinds of leaders, the fence straddler, ( or so called neutral ones ) the leaders who seek the truth, and leaders like "Pontius Pilate" who said "what is truth?" Since "truth" can be perceived a number of ways, and if the ways that people perceive truth seems to change over time - then "truth" can be anything one believes it to be - right?
"There is a way that seems right to a man, but the end result is death." -Proverbs 14:12
Perception can easily appear as a wolf in sheep's clothing. What one believes can change one's own unique perception of the truth, but it does not change what is. If truth could be changed that easily, through altering the perception of it, then imagine what would happen to our world on a daily basis through the use of mind altering substances, or a good thump on the noggin!
So then, if perception itself can be a deceiver, how will we know it when we hear the truth?
"If you continue in my word, then you are my disciples indeed; and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free." -John 8:31, 32
God knew that our enemy would confuse the perception of truth in order to cause dissension and doubt among different cultures, assemblies, and attitudes. It is an ancient and sometimes effective trick, nevertheless:
"For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace." -I Corinthians 14:33a
Just like a good Father, who nurtures our knowledge of truth and helps to steer us from harms' way - our Heavenly Father preserved the knowledge of truth at the highest cost, (His own Son) and it continues to inspire faith in those who have an ear to hear it, even to this day.
"So where does this leave the philosophers, the scholars, and the world's brilliant debaters? God has made them all look foolish and has shown their wisdom to be useless nonsense. Since God in His wisdom saw to it that the world would never find him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save all who believe. God's ways seem foolish to the Jews because they want a sign from heaven to prove it is true. It was foolish to the Greeks because they believe only what agrees with their own wisdom." -I Corinthians 1:20-22
Ok, wait a minute. Why on Earth would God give us a mind, and the means to formulate wisdom in this world, if it is foolishness?
"So they asked him, “Teacher, we know that you speak and teach rightly, and show no partiality, but truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful for us to give tribute to Caesar, or not?” But he perceived their craftiness, and said to them, “Show me a denarius. Whose likeness and inscription does it have?” They said, “Caesar's.” He said to them, “Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.” -Matthew 22:16-21
Man has made a multitude of things in his own image. The world is filled with a multitude of images. Endless books, theories, and re-interpretations of historical events. However, the things of God have not changed nor can they because they are of God. All of the knowledge of the world, in a blink of an eye, is working to leverage our perception of the truth. However, trying to change truth is like trying to change oxygen. We can add to it, filter it, or pollute it, but if it does not work in our bodies the way it was designed to, we will perish.
Learning the wisdom of this world has its' healthy place in our lives, so long as it is understood for what it is, but the Word of God is our strong foundation. The one we can rely on when times change.
"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. By faith we understand that the worlds are framed by the word of God so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible." -Hebrews 11:1-3
What's that? The things which we see are not the whole big picture?
"For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. He is the source of your life in Christ Jesus, whom God made our wisdom and our righteousness and sanctification and redemption." -I Corinthians 1:25-30
Like a shadow cast in the spotlight, there is a strong contrast here. If God were like people, he would be very confusing, because there would be so many variations of Him. Anything would be truth, and yet none of it would be. When we examine the scripture above, we begin to see issues revealed about ourselves in contrast to the character of God. It seems as though we want to reach great heights in the world, and be known for our wisdom, our efforts, our power, our strength, and our achievements.
"You won't die!" the serpent hissed. "God knows that your eyes will be opened when you eat it. You will become just like God, knowing everything, both good and evil." -Genesis 3:4-5
As hard as we try, and as hard as we work to hold onto things, it slips through our fingers like sand. The kingdom of men is constantly being built and falling again. All of it changing like the ancient pyramids against the winds of time - returning to the substance from hence it came.
But who can take the weak and make them strong? Who can be a help to the helpless? A father to the fatherless? Take the precious from the worthless? Which one of us can brag about ourselves in that light?
"Your hands fashioned and made me, and now you have destroyed me altogether. Remember that you have made me like clay; and will you return me to the dust? Did you not pour me out like milk and curdle me like cheese? You clothed me with skin and flesh, and knit me together with bones and sinews. You have granted me life and steadfast love, and your care has preserved my spirit. Yet these things you hid in your heart; I know that this was your purpose. If I sin, you watch me and do not acquit me of my iniquity. If I am guilty, woe to me! If I am in the right, I cannot lift up my head, for I am filled with disgrace and look on my affliction. And were my head lifted up, you would hunt me like a lion and again work wonders against me." -Job 10:8-16
Thank God that many of us will not have to be tested to the extent Job was tested. As the hedge of protection was pulled back, the enemy of our soul had more access to him, and as a result, Job lost his children, his home, his fields, and then his health. Nevertheless, the principles of truth as set forth through God's word begin to clear our hearts and minds of the things which indeed, are passing away, and reveal to us, through His everlasting mercies, the truth, the light, and the way.
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." -Psalm 119:105
This is the beginning of being a true leader. Fear not, because God can take someone who is not a leader, and make them into a leader.
"Fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. Only fools despise wisdom and discipline." -Proverbs 1:7
So now that we have taken a step into knowledge of the truth, how can we start being leaders in a world filled with perception? What is the most important thing a leader needs to be?
"He that rules over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God." - 2 Samuel 23:3
What does "just and ruling in the fear of God" mean? The verse above clearly states that to qualify as a leader of men, a person must be just, and accountable to the Word of God.
"My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God." - Proverbs 2:1-5
In our own eyes, we may think that we are doing the right thing. The leader doing business God's way needs to renew his attitude about doing business according to God's Word. The Bible shows us leadership roles through ordinary people like David and Solomon. These leaders didn't come from any ivy league institution - David was a mere Shepherd - but was remembered as "A man after God's own heart." Who better to preserve as a role model for leadership over centuries of time than the Kings of Israel? For this shows us that nothing much has changed in the heart of man for thousands of years.
The Bible preserves both their good and evil deeds, while also sharing the bottom line - they had to make a daily choice of how to properly exercise free will, power, and judgement, - with accountability.
But how does a person possess their leadership? Will we choose to serve self, others, or God?
"Give your servant an understanding heart, to judge your people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?" -1 Kings 3:9
King Solomon came to a place where he realized that he needed two things; A right heart, and clear knowledge of right from wrong in order to lead the people. Asking God for a "right heart" predisposes one to the gentle admonition of the Holy Ghost. Once we are right with God, our heart is in the right place.
- A "right heart" before God is where discernment of Truth begins.
- Discernment of Truth is the beginning of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.
- Knowing good from evil equips one with the knowledge to judge the truth of a matter justly.
- Knowing the truth of a matter in accordance to God's Word establishes the right principles for leadership.
King Solomon became one of the wisest men whom ever lived. God used Solomon as a vessel to preserve wisdom through his leadership role model, bringing to light both the right and wrong things that he did, and preserving it in His Word - even unto this day!
"For the prophecy came not in old time by will of man: but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." 2 Peter 1:21
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." - 2 Timothy 3:16
How awesome it is to realize, that like a loving Father, God provides us with access to wisdom, as revealed to us through his Word. The following verses are a collection of verses from the Bible pertaining to business, leadership, and acquiring wise council. Explore them, plant them in your soul, and water them. They will grow and "yield fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself." Imagine, for a second, the good seed that you can plant, wherever God has placed you.
"No, but we did it for fear of a time to come when your children might say to our children, ‘What have you to do with the Lord , the God of Israel?" -Joshua 22:24
"The Proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel; to know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; to receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity; To give prudence to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion. A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall acquire wise councils." -Proverbs 1:1-5
"Remove not the ancient landmark, which your fathers have set." -Proverbs 22:28
"Know this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation." -2 Peter 1:20
"Woe to those who call evil good and good evil , who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!" - Isaiah 5:20
"Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and shrewd in their own sight!" -Isaiah 5:21
"Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but The Lord tests the heart." -Proverbs 17:3
"Wisdom is always distant and very difficult to find." -Ecclesiastes 7:24
"Let those who are wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. And let those who understand receive guidance by exploring the depth of meaning in these proverbs, parables, wise sayings, and riddles." -Proverbs 1:5-6
"Being wise is as good as being rich; in fact, it is better. Wisdom or money can get you almost anything, but it's important to know that only wisdom can save your life." -Ecclesiastes 7:11-12
"Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts shall be established." -Proverbs 16:3
"Blessed is the man that does not follow the advice of the wicked, or takes a stand with the people who hate God, or sits in the seat of contempt towards others." -Psalm 1:1
"Words from a friend are better than many kisses from an enemy." -Proverbs 27:6
"Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend." -Proverbs 27:17
"People may be pure in their own eyes but the Lord examines their motives." -Proverbs 16:2
"Those who love money will never have enough. How absurd to think that wealth brings true happiness! The more you have, the more people come to help you spend it." -Ecclesiastes 5:10
"A good reputation is more valuable than the most expensive perfume." -Ecclesiastes 7:1
"Extortion turns wise people into fools, and bribes corrupt the heart." -Ecclesiastes 7:7
"Finishing is better than starting." -Ecclesiastes 7:8
"It is better to be criticized by a wise person than to be praised by a fool." -Ecclesiastes 7:5
"Don't be quick tempered, for anger is the friend of fools." - -Ecclesiastes 7:9
"Everything has already been decided. It was known long ago what each person would be. So there is no use arguing with God about your destiny." -Ecclesiastes 6:10
"The fastest runner does not always win the race, the strongest warrior does not always win the battle. The wise are often poor, and the skillful are not necessarily wealthy. And those who are educated do not always lead successful lives. It is all decided by chance, being in the right place at the right time." -Ecclesiastes 9:11
"Since a dull axe requires great strength, sharpen the blade. That is the value of wisdom; it helps you succeed." -Ecclesiastes 10:10
"The Lord is more pleased when we do what is just and right than when we give him sacrifices." -Proverbs 21:3
"Divers weights are an abomination to the Lord, and a false balance is not good." -Proverbs 20:23
"Mercy and truth preserve the king: and his throne is upheld by mercy." -Proverbs 20:28
"Do you see a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men." -Proverbs 22:29
"Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty." -Proverbs 21:5
"The generous soul shall be made rich, and he that waters shall be watered himself." -Proverbs 11:25
"He that oppresses the poor to gain his own wealth or showers the wealthy with gifts shall surely end in poverty." -Proverbs 22:16
"It does no good to charm a snake after it has bitten you." -Ecclesiastes 10:11
"Be sure to stay busy and plant a variety of crops, for you never know which will grow -perhaps they all will." -Ecclesiastes 11:6
"Be diligent to know the state of your flocks, and look well to your herds." -Proverbs 27:23
"Enjoy prosperity while you can. But when hard times strike, realize that both come from God. That way you will realize that nothing is certain in this life." -Ecclesiastes 7:14
"There is not a single person in all the Earth who is good and never sins." -Ecclesiastes 7:20
"Don't eavesdrop on others - you may hear your employees laughing at you. For you know how often you yourself have laughed at others." -Ecclesiastes 7:21
"If your boss is angry with you, don't quit. A quiet spirit can overcome even great mistakes." -Proverbs 10:4
"Casting lots can end arguments and settle disputes between powerful opponents." -Proverbs 18:18
"For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether is be good, or whether it be evil." -Ecclesiastes 12:14