¹⁵ Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 (HCSB) Growth is a natural byproduct of all living things. If we are not growing; we are dying. In essence, the very nature of the walk of a disciple of Christ is to be growing in His likeness. We are to know the truth, understand how it applies to our lives, and daily live like Him everyday. That takes commitment, sacrifice, and discipline.

Naturally, the first thing we need to do as leaders is to “die to self”. In order to live for Christ, I must daily die to myself. (Luke 9:23, Galatians 2:20) Secondly, I need to depend upon and trust in God and God alone. (Philippians 4:19) Thirdly, I must practice regularly, spiritual disciplines that will provide the context for growth. We need to daily participate in things like; prayer, Bible reading, sharing the gospel, ministering to the needs of others, participating and attending church, tithing, service projects, mission projects and so much more.

As you make disciples through your leading and teaching, those who follow you need to see a “live” demonstration or model of a disciplined, authentic, and imperfect follower of Christ. The greatest asset of an effective leader is a growing, dynamic, and personal relationship with Jesus Christ. “The only Jesus some will ever see, The only Bible some will ever read, is the one in you and me.”