A Devotional by Pastor Cesar Castellanos
Today’s Bible Verse
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need be ashamed, and who correctly handles the word of truth.
2 Timothy 2:15
Leadership that Touches the Heart
In the turbulent times that we live in, much is said about the crisis of leadership at every level of society. This is definitely a reality. The whole World is crying out for leaders with integrity. In the family, children call out for responsible parents. Parents are calling out for their children’s respect and honor. All around us people are looking for positive influences to give the right direction to human life.
A genuine leader is consistent in what he says and does. The concept of leadership suggests the idea of influencing others to the point of bringing change. Undoubtedly, change can be either positive or negative. Everything will depend on the perspective under which it is led. Our task, as leaders of faith in Jesus Christ, is always to tip the balance towards sustaining the firm foundation of Biblical principles and the establishment of values. This means that our influence should always be positive.
People feel that they are directed and led correctly when they have the opportunity to change for the better and move themselves forward in every area of their life. They not only come under leadership but they are also being molded and shaped. Once this happens, they can share with others the benefits in their personal growth. Then, others will also begin to see great results.
Leadership seeks to ensure that everyone voluntarily direct their energy towards the realization of dream. This is done through the reception of another person’s motivation. That person serves as a leader, guide, mentor and model.
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). No coward can have a school of brave men. Nor may a brave man have a school of cowards. If we want to form courageous leaders, whoever trains them must be a brave person. It must be someone without fear or insecurity. It must be a person who does not have low self-esteem. They must be a person without pride, bitterness or selfishness. They must have self-control. They must also have the faith that is necessary for conquest.
Something to Think About
A man came to work in a timber mill. The pay was good and he had very favorable working conditions; so he decided to do a good job. The first day of his job the foreman gave him an ax and a designated area of wood to work on. Excitedly, he went into the forest to chop trees. In a single day he cut eighteen trees. So, the foreman congratulated him and encouraged him to continue. Motivated by these words, the man decided to improve his performance the next day; so went to bed very early that night. He got up before anyone else and went to the forest.
Despite every effort, he failed to cut more than fifteen trees. “I must be tired,” he thought. So, he decided to go to sleep at sunset. At dawn, he decided to beat his record of eighteen trees. However, that day he did not even do half. Everyday after that, his work began to decrease. The next day there were seven, then five. The last day, all afternoon he couldn’t even topple two trees. He became troubled because he was thinking about the foreman. So, he went to talk to him and shared what had been happening. He even swore that he has been pushing himself to the point of fainting. Then the foreman asked, “When was the last time you sharpened your ax?” “Sharpened my ax?” The man was puzzled, “I had no time to sharpen because I was busy cutting trees.”
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I know the best example that we have of right leadership is our mighty redeemer, the Lord Jesus. I admire all that I see in Your Son. I admire His heart that is full of goodness and love. I admire His perseverance to achieve goals. I admire His patience and faith to believe in us. I admire His strength to endure the tests. I admire His great wisdom, which has led so many lives, with such different temperaments. Lord Jesus, I love You for all that You are, Amen.
Declaration
Jesus, I will use Your Words and wisdom to print Your image and engrave Your character onto the hearts of many.
Today’s Bible Reading
- Old Testament: Ezekiel 38-39; Job 14
- New Testament: John 11:17-37; 1 John 3:11-18
