MOPS International Email for February

The Fruit of a Sensible LeaderFebruary Leader Devotionalby Kelli Jordan, Regional Developer

As leaders we want to produce fruit. It is the result of our energy and passion. MOPS leaders want to produce better moms, invested leaders and outreach opportunities. How does a sensible leader produce that kind of fruit?

Our strength as leaders is directly related to the depth of our relationship with God. As Christians, we produce fruit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Consistently displaying these fruits is evidence of our investment in time with the Lord. This type of leader is better able to lead others to a deeper relationship with God.

We can’t lead others closer to Jesus unless we are moving in that direction ourselves. We can’t lead others to be outreach minded if we are not outreach minded. We can’t lead others toward a stronger commitment to our mission if we aren’t committed to it ourselves.

If others see us displaying the fruit of the spirit and see evidence of our commitment and direction, they are more likely to trust enough to follow us – even if they don’t completely understand or even agree with our plans. A sensible leader understands we cannot lead from a place we have not been. We can’t expect others to follow if they can’t see evidence of our commitment to God or if they don’t trust our commitment to them.

Healthy, growing and sensible leaders bear fruit by relying on God’s word and cultivating a deep relationship with him. Sensible leaders model personal growth and come alongside others, developing them so they can find their perfect place of service and begin bearing their own leadership fruit.

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While considering this devotion, head over to the MOPS Guide forum to discuss these questions with other leaders:

• Consider your sphere of influence. Your family, friends, other moms, other leaders and your children. What evidence do your interactions show of a growing and deepening relationship with God?
• Let God fill the gaps, we all have them … all of us. How might you invite him into every moment and interaction?
• What relationships and interactions do you forget to invite him into?