The Elisha Principle

 

The Elisha Principle Here are a few thoughts from the life of the prophet Elisha that could help us accomplish what we want in life. I have called it 'The Elisha Principle'.

1 - Persistence pays off. In 2 Kings 2:1-6 we read how persistent Elisha was. He followed Elijah wherever he went. Even though Elijah kept on saying "Stay here Elisha!". There's was just no way Elisha would leave. Was Elijah perhaps making things more difficult to Elisha? Was he testing his character and willingness to serve? Note that during their journey from Bethel to Jericho and from Jericho to the Jordan there were no records of miracles. It was just plain stuff, no wonders or mighty displays.

From Genesis to Revelation God seems to reward persistence. He rewards those who persist on seeking Him diligently (Hb. 11:6). See also Gl. 6:9, Js.1:12, Rm.5:3-5 and plenty more here.

Here is the thing:I want you to be the most persistent follower of Jesus the world has ever known! Seek Him and you will find what you are looking for.

2 - Vision pays off. In 2 Kings 2:7-10 we see that Elisha knew exactly what he wanted and he asked for everything! - This is confirmed in verse 10. Let me ask you a few questions:

Do you know what you want? Can you actually see it? (v.10)

and if so...

Are you settling for less?  (Eph. 3:20)

Most people think they know what they want or come up with some sort of a place holder they call vision in order to look ok. When things get tough however, and I do mean real tough, they give up. Remember Js. 1:6-8, I highly recommend you make this text part of your meditation time.

3- Focus pays off. Are you getting distracted? Is your job diverting you from your calling? Is your personal comfort distracting you? How about fear? Our present culture is controlled by it. In verse 10-13 we see that Elisha had focus. He kept his eyes on the target at all times. He wouldn't let go! Note that he would not leave Elijah's side until he saw (v. 12) what he was looking for and took possession of the blessings he was seeking (v.13).

Are you focusing on what you want? Can you see it?

Most people say yes to both of the above questions but when you look into their lives they are just everywhere. Are you all over the place? If so the answer to both questions is NO. You cannot focus if your life is cluttered. How many things we are missing out because we are failing to see.

Why didn't the other prophets in this chapter get something from God, after all they also knew Elijah, they served God? Here is why, because they did not follow the same example as Elisha. Elisha set himself up for success because:

1) He knew what he wanted (Vision)

2) He did not get distracted (Focus)

3) He had the guts to persist (Persistence)

 

Powerful Prophet + Powerful Lessons = Powerful Life. God is no respecter of people (Ac.10:34), He shows no partiality. What He did then He does now! What He did for Elisha he can do for you.

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Servant Leadership

“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ 

- Matthew 25:21 

A leader is one who serves. You are never more like Jesus than when you are serving. A true leader will always display the attitudes, motivations and service of a servant. The Hebrew Meanings 'Ebed' means slave or a servant. This word applies to a person who is at the complete disposal of another person (Gn. 24:1-67). As leaders we must be at the complete disposal of Jesus.

However saying I’m serving Jesus can be too general, you have to narrow it down. 

• Serve Jesus (Jn. 12:26). Where he is we should also be.
• Serve your family (1 Timothy 5:8). 

• Serve your pastor (Mt. 10:41-42). Become bigger person by serving and more intimate with your leader. You become bigger by serving your leader. 

• Serve your church (Eph. 1:23). The church is Christ’s body, in which he speaks and acts, by which he fills everything with his presence. 

• Serve your world (Colossians 3:23-24, Mark 10:45). 

There's no "I" or "me" when dealing with a great leader. He/she will always put others first and the big picture on the table.

Do you have a heart to serve? Do you want to improve your leadership skills and network with others on the same journey? Sign up to our Leaders Academy here.

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