John Stanko

" . . . so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God" - Colossians 1:10.

Leaders are expected to continue growing and developing, both in their ability to bear fruit as defined by their role in their organization and also in their knowledge of their line of work and the practice of leadership. When leaders stop being fruitful, they begin to rely on their history, their title, where they are in the organizational hierarchy, their charisma, or their ability to manipulate and control the system or their followers. This is never a healthy situation, whether in the church or business. It is obvious from today's verse that ongoing growth and fruitfulness are pleasing to God, who is the ultimate Director and Evaluator of a leader's development and work.

LEADERSHIP STEP: Let's examine your fruit today and inspect your 'vine' on which it is produced. Read John 15:1-8 and then assess your fruit, both internally and externally. Are you growing in patience and kindness? Are you being fruitful today in new projects, creativity, and the ability to lead your team or family? Are you growing in the knowledge of who God is and what He wants from you in your leadership role? Are you imparting what you know to others?