A Leadership Insight from Vision Multiplier International https://visionmultiplierllc.com/
I was reflecting on these scriptures and the thought that we, the leaders, are often fighting against perceptions and opinions of others; however, what truly matters is what Christ says about us and whose report we choose to believe.
The Lord is not slack on fulfilling His promises and He makes all grace abound toward us. His mercy is refining us to be Christlike as we sit on the potter wheel of life. We are eternally being changed.
Humble beginnings:
We all come from humble beginnings. Some were raised in bad neighborhoods, broken homes, insufficient resources or supports, poverty, lack, homelessness, or just toxic environments that seemed impossible or unfair. Others may use these circumstances to attempt to limit us and our potential.
But God!
We see several examples where “others” had a negative view of Christ and David but their views did not hinder the manifestation of Gods prophecies.
Example#1: Nathaniel predisposition about Jesus:
“Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the One Moses in the Law and also the Prophets wrote about—Jesus from Nazareth, the son of Joseph [according to public record].”
Nathanael answered him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip replied, “Come and see.”
Example #2: Selection of King David:
“So Jesse sent word and brought him in. Now he had a ruddy complexion, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. The Lord said [to Samuel], “Arise, anoint him; for this is he.””
1 Samuel 16:12 AMP
Selah
I am grateful that the Lord sees us through the eyes of eternity – in his image and his likeness:
“…For the Lord sees not as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.””
1 Samuel 16:7 AMP
In Christ, we leaders are new creations with unlimited possibility given by god when His anointing lives inside of us:
“Therefore if anyone is in Christ [that is, grafted in, joined to Him by faith in Him as Savior], he is a new creature [reborn and renewed by the Holy Spirit]; the old things [the previous moral and spiritual condition] have passed away. Behold, new things have come [because spiritual awakening brings a new life].”
2 Corinthians 5:17 AMP
We also benefit from the abundance of gods grace working in our favor:
“The grace of our Lord [His amazing, unmerited favor and blessing] flowed out in superabundance [for me, together] with the faith and love which are [realized] in Christ Jesus. Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost [of sinners], Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example or pattern for those who would believe in Him for eternal life.”
1 Timothy 1:14, 16 AMP
As with Jesus and David respectively, the scripture reveals how God is pleased. So shall it be with us:
“and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased and delighted!” [Ps 2:7; Is 42:1]”
Matthew 3:17 AMP
The Lord said [to Samuel], “Arise, anoint him; for this is he.” Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed David in the presence of his brothers; and the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward. And Samuel arose and went to Ramah.”
1 Samuel 16:13 AMP
In conclusion: How should we respond? Walk in Love!
Our success and opportunities are dependent less on our ability but that of God. He will teach us how to build partnerships and teams and will give us discernment to choose.
Yes, we live in a world of negative labels and images but because of the Blessing and favour, the Lord prepares the hearts of our partners – in advance. We are set up for success.
We the leaders must be open and choose to measure a man/ woman according to the Christ standard. Failure to live by the Christ standard may cause us to miss opportunity.
“Do not neglect to extend hospitality to strangers [especially among the family of believers—being friendly, cordial, and gracious, sharing the comforts of your home and doing your part generously], for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it. [Gen 18:1-8; 19:1-3; Judg 6:11-24; 13:6-20]”
Hebrews 13:2 AMP
We must be diligent at inspecting the fruit of others and ourselves so that God will get the glory and his purposes will be fulfilled.
“Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore, by their fruit you will recognize them [as false prophets].”
Matthew 7:19-20 AMP
Amen
Be Blessed!
Be a Blessing!
“Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the One Moses in the Law and also the Prophets wrote about—Jesus from Nazareth, the son of Joseph [according to public record].”
Nathanael answered him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip replied, “Come and see.”
Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him, and said of him, “Here is an Israelite indeed [a true descendant of Jacob], in whom there is no guile nor deceit nor duplicity!”
Nathanael said to Jesus, “How do You know [these things about] me?” Jesus answered, “Before Philip called you, when you were still under the fig tree, I saw you.”
Nathanael answered, “Rabbi (Teacher), You are the Son of God; You are the King of Israel.”
Jesus replied, “Because I said to you that I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe [in Me]? You will see greater things than this.”
Then He said to him, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man [the bridge between heaven and earth].” [Gen 28:12; Dan 7:13]”
John 1:45-51 AMP
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