Do no judge by appearances, but judge with the right judgment.1 You will recognize them by their fruits. . . So every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit.2
His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.”3 With the call is a revelation that compels the Kingdom leader. Thus, he4 is never lukewarm.5
A Kingdom leader understands the conditional requirements and responsibilities of the call. Handpicked as a steward; his4 duty is to serve. Not all are qualified to lead. Natural ability is not the criteria. Ironically, those who are called never feel qualified for the assignment. Thus, they are best ushered in intentionally, slowly, and deliberately. Kingdom leaders are tested through time. Ptr Joey Bonifacio6 would often say, “Slow is fast.”
A Kingdom leader goes through a process of growth; he5 had been engaged, established in biblical foundations, equipped to do the work of ministry, then empowered to go and make disciples. All authority is given to Jesus.7 A Kingdom leader’s authority is delegated authority. To claim otherwise is to usurp His authority.
Of utmost importance is relational character. Paul talked about these traits, “. . . walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”8
Notes:
1. John 7:24
2. Matthew 7:16-18
3. John 2:17
4. He/his as used here is a generic term for humans and not the sex
5. Revelation 3:15-16
6. Bonifacio, Joey. 2012. The LEGO Principle. Read more on how to build relationships
7. Matthew 28:18
8. Ephesians 4:1-3
