A Devotional by Pastor Cesar Castellanos
Today’s Bible Verse
Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.
1 Corinthians 11:1
Reproducing the Vision
Each one of us enters into this world with a specific mission assigned by God, but unfortunately some spend the best years of their life distracted by trivial things that take them out of the divine purpose. They reach the end of the race without understanding the reason for their existence.
However, to accomplish His purpose, God chooses a man to reveal His will. God shows him His plans and then surrounds him with people who identify with him. Those people support him in everything he does by becoming the force that leads the way in the Vision. Everything that exists has come from a vision that God had in creation. The vision is an idea that God reveals to the mind of man so that he can carry it out. I think there isn’t a single person who has reached success without first having a creative idea from God. He must make every effort and be very persistent in order to achieve it.
In order for God to remove the heavy debris of sin that surrounded the human spirit and made him a prisoner, it was necessary to sacrifice His own Son’s life. Jesus spent the majority of His ministry forming twelve disciples. He believed that these disciples would do the same with their followers so that redemption would endure throughout the ages.
Jesus was a leader who always encouraged His disciples to fulfill His heart’s desire with goodwill and a correct attitude. The work that He did in their lives was so effective that they not only worked hard to make His doctrine known throughout the world, but they were willing to lay down their lives for Christ’s cause.
In order to be able to continue as a leader of respect, you must cultivate the valuable secret of constant motivation within your team. This is the key. Large companies have been able to lead the marketplace because they were able to highly motivate those who are a part of the front line team.
In a congregation, the Pastor must be a man of vision. However, this spirit has to descend to the leadership team in order for that vision to continue descending to the others in the church. Therefore, the Pastor has to continuously learn about the Vision so that he can always have valuable and dynamic content to share with his disciples.
The law of the teacher says, “If you stop growing today, you will not teach tomorrow.” The concept of influence that makes sense of true leadership is very rich. It involves encouraging the individual. You must motivate them, boost their innovation, challenge their discovery, develop their gifts and talents, and teach them to dream. Above all, you must shape their lives so that over time they will be able to influence the lives of others. Leadership is a cycle of influence. This is why the Apostle Paul invites us to imitate him in doing so.
Something to Think About
My parents wanted me to be a leader, a good example for others and a decent human being. I was taught to set goals and be the best in everything that I do. In the lessons that my father gave me, he said, again and again, to be the leader that I desired to be. I wanted to be a big man in heart, in actions, as well as in my body. I knew that it was important to be the type of leader and person that my father taught me to be. I knew in my heart that he was right. So, I tried to follow his advice as best as I could. When I focused on being the best in basketball and I became the best in the game, I resolved to be a good example. Sometimes I have to stop and think before acting, and I occasionally make mistakes, we are all human. But I keep looking for opportunities where I can make a difference and set a good example, as my father advised me to do. Now I leave you. Be a leader, not a follower. People will look up to you. Give them a good reason to do so.” (Shaquille O’Neal, NBA basketball star)
Prayer
Eternal God, thank You for the great privilege of knowing the Vision that Your Son Jesus established on earth. Thank You for teaching me that if He did, I can too. In Your infinite mercy, You set Your eyes on me and told me that great truth. It is a key that will lead me to the strength of a ministry that will glorify Your name. Love, compassion and truth that come from You now dwells in my heart. Therefore, I will reproduce in others as Jesus did. I love You, mighty Lord, Amen.
Declaration
The way I live every day speaks louder than my words.
Today’s Bible Reading
- Old Testament: Ezekiel 35-37; Job 13
- New Testament: John 11:1-16; 1 John 3:1-10
