Removing What Stops Growth
Introduction:
A leader’s role isn’t always about pushing or forcing people to grow; rather, it’s about creating an environment where growth is possible. Just as a gardener doesn’t force the plants to grow, but removes the obstacles, leaders must identify and remove the things that hinder the development of their teams or organizations. This mindset shift helps cultivate an atmosphere of flourishing, not striving.
Key Scriptures:
1. John 15:2 (NIV) – “He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.”
– Just as the gardener prunes the plants to allow them to grow better, God also prunes us for greater fruitfulness. Pruning involves removing the dead or unhealthy areas of our lives or leadership that prevent us from thriving.
2. Matthew 7:17-19 (NIV) – “Every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.”
– For a tree to produce good fruit, it must be free from anything that detracts from its vitality. Leaders, like gardeners, need to assess what is hindering good growth and remove it.
3. Hebrews 12:1 (NIV) – “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”
– Growth in leadership and in life requires us to shed what weighs us down. We must remove the unnecessary burdens, distractions, and limitations that prevent us from achieving our full potential.
4. Proverbs 4:23 (NIV) – “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
– A healthy heart is crucial for personal and leadership growth. Leaders need to recognize what might corrupt or contaminate their hearts—unforgiveness, bitterness, or unhealthy thinking—and remove these to maintain their own growth and effectiveness.
Teaching Points:
1. Remove the Obstacles to Growth:
– Just as a gardener removes weeds, rocks, and dead plants, leaders must identify and remove obstacles in their teams or personal lives that prevent growth. These could be outdated systems, toxic attitudes, or personal habits that stifle progress.
2. Embrace Pruning for Greater Growth:
– Pruning isn’t always easy, but it’s essential. Leaders must be willing to let go of certain practices, ideas, or relationships that no longer contribute to the mission or vision. Trust that this process will lead to greater fruitfulness.
3. Focus on a Healthy Environment:
– A gardener creates the right environment—soil, water, sunlight—to encourage growth. Likewise, leaders must cultivate a healthy environment for their team to flourish. This involves fostering trust, providing resources, and encouraging development.
4. Recognize and Address the Internal Barriers:
– Growth can be hindered by internal struggles, such as fear, pride, or insecurity. Leaders must be self-aware and address these internal barriers in themselves and others. By doing so, they create space for real progress.
5. Empower Others to Remove Their Own Obstacles:
– As a gardener doesn’t force plants to grow, leaders should empower their teams to take ownership of their own growth. This includes providing guidance, but also trusting people to remove their own hindrances and develop at their own pace.
Conclusion:
Leaders, like gardeners, create environments conducive to growth, but they must also remove the things that inhibit it. By pruning, removing obstacles, and fostering health, leaders can help cultivate a thriving, flourishing team or ministry. Ultimately, it’s not about forcing growth—it’s about nurturing it, creating the space for God to do the work He’s called us to do.
Reflection Questions:
1. What are the obstacles in my life or leadership that may be hindering growth?
2. What areas in my team need pruning for greater effectiveness?
3. How can I create a healthier environment for growth in my team or ministry?
4. What are the internal barriers that I need to address for my personal growth and leadership?