Written By Ben Dankaka
Meditation – 2 Timothy 2:6
Every farmer works with a reward in mind. When farmers set out to cultivate their land, their main objective is to produce crops. But then the farmer knows that the only way he would realize his objective is by working hard. A real farmer doesn’t depend on luck. They are aware that if they don’t work hard, they would starve. Farmers also know that they cannot cheat the process. For instance, the farmer knows that the only way he can harvest beans is by planting bean seeds on his farmland. If he doesn’t work on his farm, he would not have crops at harvest time. Also, the farmer is aware that he cannot plant bean seeds and then expect to reap rice. He knows that whatever he sows is what he will surely reap. For that reason, he takes responsibility over his success and works hard, cultivating his land.
Leadership works in the same way with the principle of farming. Like the farmer, the leader reaps whatever he sows. That is, whatever the leader sows in the lives of his people is what he would reap in the end. Just as the farmer cultivates his land, the leader nurtures his own people. Like the hardworking farmer whose land produces good crops for himself and others, the leader who spends his time, impacting lives, would eventually have impactful people, who would in turn serve him and others. And if he doesn’t work hard, he would be like the lazy farmer who yields nothing at the end of the rainy season. Most importantly, just as the hard working farmer is usually the first to receive a share of the crops (2Timothy 2:6); the effective leader also shares the same privilege from those he empowers. Lead like the hardworking farmer.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, I am willing to work hard in your vineyard. Amen.
REFERENCES/FURTHER STUDY: 2 Timothy 2:1-7
Unless otherwise stated all scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version.