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Jason, Michael, and Ben decided to play "Follow the Leader" on the playground. When it was Jason's turn to lead, he invited additional friends to join in. But he didn't use the same route around the swing set and under the slide that his two buddies had followed. Instead, he tried his own ideas. He skipped and hopped, twisting his way around the jungle gym. Then, imitating an airplane, he took his friends on an imaginary sky ride.
When Jason paused and looked back, Michael and Ben were not the only ones there. Other friends had followed along, too.
Jason had influenced them.
The title of "leader" isn't reserved only for those who are pastors, church staff members, executives, or facilitators (although each of those roles requires a leader.) Instead, a leader is simply someone who influences others.
Peter wrote, "You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9). In other words, each believer automatically becomes a member of a select group of people that is designated to pastor others. Being a Christian is concurrent with being a leader.
Your set of relationships is unique to you. No one else in the world has an exact replica of your circle of influence: your spouse, children, co-workers, friends, extended family, neighbors. God uses your web of relationships to build His kingdom. That's why you are a leader, regardless of what position or title you may hold.
Once in awhile, turn around like Jason did. See who you're influencing. God is using you in more lives than you may think.
Growth Point Each believer is a leader.
Scripture You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood. (1 Peter 2:9)
Prayer Points
- In what relationships or circumstances am I leader where I may not have considered myself to be?
- What may prevent me from "turning around to look" at my circle of influence? What can motivate me?
- How can I order my relationship with God to be a healthy influence on my circle of relationships?
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So many of you have expressed appreciation for the first issue of The Cultivator. We're thrilled beyond words that this resource is helping you nurture your spiritual health.
