1 Thessalonians 3 - Fruit on others trees

Leaders who are called and made to be leaders of others walk through a natural process. This process of shifting from individual contributor to leader or manager can produce many speed bumps and even roadblocks along the way. I do want to be clear, one is not better than another, there are amazing leaders who are individual contributors, and that is what they were called to do, and they are amazing at it. The goal is not to become a leader or others, or a manager; the goal is to become the best version of who you were designed to be. 

For those in this growth process and transition from individual contributor to leader of others, please recognize it has many phases and progressive steps. One of the final stages is often the hardest for leaders to navigate, and many never get beyond it. Of course, in this process, you will transition to team-focused, you become hyper-focused on building trust, you will serve others and ask a lot of questions, and you will learn how to draw the best out of others an not just yourself. There are so many more attributes and areas of transition, but the last one has to do with the fruit of all the labor. 

You see, all high capacity individuals are motivated and energized by producing fruit, seeing results. We do x, and we see y happen. We are creators, producers, GTD’ers. One of the final transitions in this growth process is recognizing and ultimately appreciating and valuing the fruit of our labor, and work now grows on other trees. This is a final phase that some great leaders never come to terms with, and struggle to shift out of the doing and individual contributor mindset. 

Paul understood this in his ministry and leadership. We read over and over in his letters, his pouring out to others, developing, pastoring, and leading others with this mindset. Check this out in v8-9.

“It gives us new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord. How we thank God for you! Because of you we have great joy as we enter God’s presence.” - ‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭3:8-9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Because of you we have great joy...Paul feels refreshed and is full of life and joy because those he has poured into are producing fruit and standing firm in the Lord. Paul was an amazing leader.  We see this same theme and comment from John.

“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” - ‭‭3 John‬ ‭1:4‬ ‭NIV‬‬

I have no greater joy...John’s words ring out. How about you? How do you feel when you hear that your team is killing it. How do you feel when you hear that your kids are polite and honoring and serving others when they are at others houses? How do you feel when you hear how someone your are mentoring is growing and thriving in all they are pursuing? Fruit on others trees. 

Leaders, may you find great joy and fulfillment as you see your fruit grow on others trees. May you not see your tree that may look barren compared to the past, and may you know the orchard field of fruit-producing trees all around you. Paul's closing few verses are my prayer for us all today.

“May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.” - ‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭3:12-13‬ ‭NIV‬‬