Pestilence Confronted: Good Fruit, Bad Fruit…
In some countries fear about Covid is falling dramatically: in the USA, Gallop reports that only 35% of Americans are worried about catching COVID-19, down from 49% just several months ago. This positive change is likely due to the new hopefulness that vaccines have brought to the situation. Many of us suspected all along that vaccines would be the answer to this pestilence. We ought to be grateful for the leaders who understood this and worked hard, beginning in early 2020, to bring this solution forward for the common good.
On the other hand, we should take note of political and public (media) “leaders” who have been constantly sowing seeds of doubt and fear about Covid. When troubles like Covid arise, often good and bad leadership is exposed. I am not talking about good and bad leadership ideas; I am talking about leadership motivations. Good leadership wants to encourage and uplift people in times of trouble. Bad leadership uses trouble to bring about hidden agendas through manipulation and fear to win elections and get power and authority over others.
In His great sermon on the mount (study Matthew Chapters 5-7), Jesus drew attention to “false prophets” (false leaders) which He said, “come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves” (Matthew 7:15).
And then Jesus gave this wise and simple teaching: “You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? 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” (Matthew 7:16-18).
Judging people and leaders by their fruit (outcomes) is wise and just. In personal, social, political and especially Church and ministry affairs, this is the standard I want to use.
Blessings,
Jim
Global Prayer Points
As we seek to see our marketplace transformed by the Gospel, join us in prayer this week for the following requests from our Global Leadership.
Africa: Pray for God’s working in the hearts of those attending the 2nd CBMC All-Africa conference this week, April 23-24 (virtual). May Jesus be raised up and the harvest be of His fruit in the lives of those participating.
Asia/Pacific: Pray for the translation of Operation Timothy into Khmer, the language of Cambodia and Mongolian, the language of Mongolia.
Europe: Specific prayer requests can be sent to [email protected]
Latin America: Pray for the 47 men and women who are currently in training to become disciplers (Pauls). On April 24, CBMC Mexico will be having a National Outreach Meeting by Zoom. Pray for a great harvest.
Middle East: Pray for open doors and leaders in the region.
North America: Pray for the 2nd Young Professionals conference on April 29 (virtual). May God work in the hearts of those attending to take the challenge to transform their marketplace.
If you have a prayer request, please send an email to CBMC International.
