The Deceit of Wealth
Jesus’s Parable of the Sower offers timeless wisdom for leaders, especially those who subscribe to a Christ-like leadership model. In Matthew 13:22, Jesus describes the seed sown among thorns. He explains that "the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it proves unfruitful." This passage isn't just a lesson on salvation; it’s a direct challenge to how we lead and live. For leaders, the thorns represent the very real pressures that can derail our purpose and diminish our impact.
As leaders, we are the soil. We receive the "word"—our calling, our vision, our mission. But alongside this purpose, the thorns of modern life inevitably grow. We must be intentional about uprooting them to ensure our work produces lasting fruit.
Understanding the Thorns
The "cares of the world" are the anxieties that consume our mental energy. For a leader, this could be the pressure of hitting targets, managing a team, or securing funding. It might be the worry about a family member or the stress of a tight deadline. When these concerns dominate our thoughts, they starve our spiritual life. They choke our capacity to lead with grace and clarity, leaving us feeling overwhelmed and spiritually dry.
The "deceitfulness of wealth" is a more subtle danger. It’s not just about being rich; it's about the belief that security and happiness come from what we possess or achieve. A leader might chase a larger budget, a more impressive title, or a bigger platform, believing these things will bring fulfillment. This pursuit is a lie. It promises a sense of worth that it cannot deliver, shifting our focus from service to self-interest. This inward focus ultimately makes our leadership unfruitful, as our true motivation becomes tainted.
Cultivating a Fruitful Life
To live as Christ advocates, we must actively tend our inner lives. This isn't a passive process; it requires discipline and careful management of our time and priorities. Here are practical steps leaders can take:
1. Create Space for Stillness: The modern world tells us to be constantly productive. Jesus models a different rhythm, often withdrawing to be alone with God. Leaders need to schedule regular time for reflection, prayer, and reading scripture. This isn't another task on a to-do list; it's the nourishment that keeps the thorns at bay. Begin your day with 15 minutes of quiet before checking email. A simple, consistent practice creates a reservoir of strength.
2. Define and Defend Boundaries: The desire to please people or seize every opportunity can lead to burnout. Effective leaders learn to say no. Be clear about your core mission and values. When a request or a new project does not align with your purpose, decline it gracefully. This protects your energy for what truly matters. Healthy boundaries around your work hours and technology use also prevent the cares of the world from overtaking your personal life.
3. Practice Contentment with Purpose: Counter the deceitfulness of wealth by intentionally practicing gratitude. Take a moment each day to recognize the gifts you have: your team, your health, the mission you serve. Shift your measure of success from external metrics, like salary or budget, to internal ones, like the health of your team and the integrity of your work. True leadership fruit comes from faithfulness, not from a pursuit of more.
By taking these steps, you can cultivate a heart where the word of God can flourish. You are not just planting a seed; you are tending a garden. Remove the thorns of worldly anxiety and the lies of wealth, and you will find your leadership produces a harvest that lasts.
