by Dr. Paul Chappell

"For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh."

Luke 6:43-45

A tree is known by its fruit, even so a leader is known by his followers.

Leadership is a powerful role. Some use it for good, some for bad, and some carelessly throw away their ability to influence others. Mark Twain is said to have rejected Christianity because of the inconsistent leadership he saw in churches in his day.

Church leaders were largely to blame for his becoming hostile to the Bible and the Christian faith. As he grew up, he knew elders and deacons who owned slaves and abused them. He heard men using foul language and saw them practice dishonesty during the week after speaking piously in church on Sunday. He listened to ministers use the Bible to justify slavery. Although he saw genuine love for the Lord Jesus in some people, including his mother and his wife, he was so disturbed by the bad teaching and poor examples of church leaders that he became bitter toward the things of God.

Oh how many people has wasted leadership hurt! Let the story of Mark Twain's experience be a lesson to us. Leadership can direct the destinies of others. While the church leaders in Twain's day skewed their leadership abilities, think about the positive effect leadership can have on others.

Jesus goes on in his teachings in Luke 6 to speak of bearing fruit. As He said, "For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh."

A leader's effect is seen in his fruit. Want to gauge what type of leader you are? Look to those following you. Are they closer to God because of your leadership? Do they desire to follow God? Are they living in light of Jesus' example?

A tree is known by its fruit, even so a leader is known by his followers. If you find your followers are not closer to God because of your leadership, take time to look at your leadership. Look at your life. As the Psalmist learned to do, ask God to expose any flaws or sins that is affecting your followers, "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thought: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting" (Psalm 139:23-24).

Are you bearing leadership fruit? Think of your followers-your friends, family, coworkers, congregation, or acquaintances. Do they see God's example in you? Leadership isn't simply about a position or place of authority, but is about producing fruit through followers who draw closer to God because of your life.

Take time today to evaluate the fruit of your leadership. Ask God to guide you and draw others closer to Him as you follow Jesus' example. Pray with the Psalmist, "Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart" (Psalm 26:2).

To learn more about the ministries of Lancaster Baptist Church and Pastor Chappell, please visit lancasterbaptist.org, paulchappell.com, or follow him on twitter.

Daily Bible Reading
Job 14-16 | Acts 9:22-43