John Stanko

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law" - Galatians 5:22.

There is no asterisk after this verse stating that leaders are exempt from producing, or allowing the Spirit to produce, the examples of character fruit mentioned in this verse. It does not say, "Leaders are permitted to be impatient, angry, unkind, unpredictable, and undisciplined because they have important work to do and have to get it done by being tough. They can be rude and abrupt and not take other people's feelings into consideration." In other words, leaders are expected to allow God to work in their lives so they can discover ways to lead while being a good example of God's man or woman in their role at work, in ministry, or at home.

LEADERSHIP STEP: As you have done with other Steps, today you will do a self-evaluation. Write each of the examples of fruit in this verse on a sheet in your journal, and then evaluate yourself in each by assigning a number from 1 (missing in action) to 5 (almost always present in my life) for work and home. If you have the courage, have someone else do it also and compare their results to yours. Then pray and allow the Spirit access to your heart to develop that area.