October 14. Plant And Replant Purposefully.

As leaders, our teams change over time as new members are added. Additions might occur to bring another member on in a new role, or they might come to take the place of a former team member’s position. We are sometimes transplanting new people onto the team.

The new team member has already been planted and grown in other areas of their life. They have served with other teams in some manner whether in their home, at their work, or in their faith. We have either made a hole for them on our team or let them fill a spot that has become vacant.

But as a leader, that new transplant needs some special care for a while. Both my sons have worked on some landscaping crews and taught me to water the hole heavily and to use root stimulant for a successful transplant. They have taught me to choose your spot for the new plant wisely.

Make sure that the plant will get the right amount of sun to nourish it. It seems that this is not too different from the treatment our new members to our team will need when they join us. If you are like me, I would think that you have seen someone who has not transplanted very wisely at some time in the past.

I have certainly planted unwisely before. Our people are the most valuable resource and worth the attention needed to plant them in the proper way. As a leader our ability to collaborate to have a proper transplant is critical to team growth.

Where does your team need some special attention this week and what root stimulator will you use to do it?

Jesus just might be the greatest transplanter ever. We read, “For they are transplanted to the LORD’s own house. They flourish in the courts of our God.” Psalms 92:13 NLT. When we find Christ, we come broken. Our roots are tattered from the environment we have been living in.

We might have insects that have been eating away at us or have a disease that affects our fruit or leaves, and our stalks might be suffering from lack of water. But Christ will take us as we are, and he cleanses us. We are new plants transplanted in a world of grace.

Sure, we might see those pesky insects again, but our gardener will be there to tend to us. We can collaborate with the Gardner, his resources, and his tools to grow and produce a fruitful life. His team, the church, will help to prune and cultivate us if we will ask and be engaged.

He will remind us that his gardening tool, the Bible, is right there within our own reach. Where are you feeling a little broken right now? Could you use some special attention, or maybe some root stimulator today? Why not pick up the Bible?

Do you need some living water today, then how about carving out time for some thoughtful prayer? What is the first thing you can do about it in the next seven days?

Let us pray, Heavenly Father, we thank you for being the best planter ever. You seek to grow us and guide us to become closer to you. You sent your son Jesus to us to allow us to have your special attention. We are not farmed like row crops but each of us are transplanted into a loving relationship with you.

May we grow as we bask in your Son. May our roots grow deep as we seek your living water. Make us influence the environment around us as we grow to honor you. Hold us in the palm of your hand as the soil holds the roots. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen,