The only miracle, except for the resurrection, that is recorded in the 4 gospels is Jesus’ multiplying of the loaves and fishes. Why? The truths contained there are so vast and far-reaching. In Jesus’ mentoring of the Twelve, he returns to it multiple times to teach them about mature leadership.
“Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened?”(Mark 8:17
| MATURE LEADERSHIP… | IMMATURE LEADERSHIP…. |
| 1. Redefines abundance as the presence of Jesus Himself | 1. Defines abundance by considering only visible resources. |
| 2. Sees beneath other’s anxiety and fear to the deeper work God is doing in and around them. | 2. Gets entangled in other’s anxiety, fear or negativity. |
| 3. Responds to the situation according to his values and beliefs (integrity). | 3. Responds to the pressure of others and accommodates them. |
| 4. Courageously does what is best for everyone despite other’s lack of support and validation. | 4. Takes an easy path in an attempt to keep everyone “happy”. |
| 5. Invites others to combine their “loaves” and thankfully offers them to the Father. | 5. Leaves people alone and isolated in their fears, limits and discouragement. |
| 6. Creates specific steps to make an overwhelming task manageable by effectively breaking down the problem. | 6. Grumbles, blames or ignores the problem because of feeling overwhelmed. |
| 7. Models flexible (not rigid) balance of rest and service to others to do good when the need arises. | 7. Becomes so rigid it results in losing compassion. |
Ask yourself today: What might be the miracle waiting to happen should you focus on what you have, rather than on what you don’t?
