Let me share a personal story. Several years ago, I poured my time, energy, and resources into a business project that I believed would leave a lasting impact. It was a significant endeavor, and I had high hopes for its success.
However, despite my best efforts, the project eventually faded into obscurity. It was a humbling reminder that not everything we work toward will stand the test of time.
Leadership is about more than just short-term gains—it’s about investing in what truly lasts. Jesus often used agricultural metaphors to illustrate deeper truths and one of the most sobering lessons He taught was that the harvest reveals the true nature of what was sown. Some efforts will produce lasting fruit, while others will fade away. In this final part of the series, we’ll examine what it means to sow for eternity, ensuring that our leadership legacy aligns with God’s eternal purposes.
The Harvest Reveals the True Nature of What Was Sown
Imagine a farmer walking through his field at harvest time. The moment of truth has arrived—what was planted months ago is now fully grown and visible. Matthew 7:17-20 reminds us that “every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.”
Jesus warned that not everything that looks productive is truly fruitful in God’s eyes. Some leaders build their legacy on achievements, accolades, or financial success, only to find their harvest empty of eternal value. The true test of our leadership is not in how much we accomplish but in whether what we build glorifies God and aligns with His purposes.
Consider Solomon, who built the greatest kingdom Israel had ever known. Yet, in his later years, he lamented that much of what he had pursued was “vanity” (Ecclesiastes 1:2). What if we strive for things that won’t last beyond this life?
Take a moment to evaluate your leadership harvest. Is it built on faithfulness, integrity, and a commitment to God's kingdom, or is it centered on personal achievement and temporary success? Remember, aligning your leadership with God's eternal purposes provides a solid foundation and a clear path forward.
If You Sow to the Flesh, You Will Reap Corruption; If You Sow to the Spirit, You Will Reap Eternal Life
Leadership is full of choices. Every decision we make plants a seed—some for the flesh and some for the Spirit. Galatians 6:8-9 warns us that “whoever sows to the flesh will reap corruption, but whoever sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life.”
Throughout history, leaders have been tempted to sow to the flesh—chasing power, wealth, and influence at the expense of integrity. Yet, Scripture tells us that these things will eventually fade. True success comes when we invest in the things of God—serving others, leading with humility, and prioritizing eternal values.
Paul is an example of a leader who sowed to the Spirit. Before his conversion, he pursued earthly success, status, and power. But after encountering Christ, he shifted his focus to building a spiritual legacy that would outlive him. Today, millions still read his letters and learn from his leadership.
Are you sowing into things that will last beyond your lifetime? Are you leading in a way that aligns with God's eternal purposes?
Conclusion
Every leader will one day stand before God and see the full impact of their work. Some efforts will have eternal significance, while others will fade away like chaff in the wind. What kind of harvest are you preparing for? Take a moment to reflect on your leadership choices and consider the eternal impact they may have.
Jesus calls us to lead with eternity in mind—to sow into what truly matters. If we invest in people, honor God with our leadership, and remain faithful to His calling, our harvest will produce lasting fruit that extends into eternity.
If you’ve been focusing on short-term success, there’s still time to shift your priorities. Start today by planting seeds that will yield an eternal harvest. Your leadership harvest is more than just the work you do today—it’s about the impact you leave for eternity. Sow wisely, lead faithfully, and trust God with the results!
BONUS:
Ready to Evaluate the Seeds You’re Planting?
Download your free copy of the Personal Leadership Harvest Checklist—a powerful tool designed to help you reflect on 18 biblical leadership principles, assess your current growth, and align your leadership with what truly matters. Whether you're leading a team, a business, or a ministry, this checklist will guide you in cultivating a harvest that honors God and impacts others for generations. 🌾
Action Steps for Leaders
To ensure your leadership efforts align with God’s eternal purposes, consider these practical steps to cultivate a harvest that lasts.
- Evaluate Your Priorities – Consider whether your leadership efforts are aligned with God's eternal purposes.
- Invest in People, Not Just Projects – The greatest impact comes from shaping lives, not just achieving goals.
- Seek God’s Wisdom Daily – Pray for discernment in how you sow your time, energy, and resources.
- Lead with Integrity and Faithfulness – Commit to leadership that honors God, even when no one is watching.
- Sow to the Spirit – Focus on building a leadership legacy that reflects God's kingdom and values.
Discussion Questions
Use these questions to reflect on how your leadership choices impact both the present and eternity, shaping your leadership legacy.
- What does your current leadership harvest reveal about what you’ve been sowing?
- How can you ensure that your leadership priorities align with God’s eternal purposes?
- Have you ever pursued temporary success at the expense of long-term impact? What did you learn?
- What are some practical ways to sow into the Spirit rather than the flesh in leadership?
- How can you encourage others to lead with eternity in mind?
More Articles
I have written several articles on accountability. You can find them by typing “Accountability” in the search bar. Meanwhile, here are a few of my favorites.
- #632: Four Ways Your Leadership Harvest Shapes Future Generations (Part 5)
- #631: Three Laws of the Leadership Harvest: Patience, Opposition, & God’s Timing (Part 4)
- #630: Why Your Leadership Harvest Depends on the Environment You Create (Part 3)
- #629: The Foundational Laws of the Harvest: What Every Leader Must Know (Part 2)
- #628: The Law of the Harvest: How Leaders Reap What They Sow (Part 1)
- #620: To Judge, Or Not to Judge: That is the Question!
Join the Conversation
As always, we encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences. Are you sowing with an eternal harvest in mind?
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Category: Skills/Accountability
There were people who tested my patience during my years as police chief. One guy I nearly fired. And when I retired he was one of many they put in my retirement video, and he said, “Chief, you were always a decent and fair man.” I think his compliment mattered the most.
I know what you mean, John. Sometimes the result of our leadership and how we impact people is never known, and sometimes it comes back to us years later. On one occasion, I had to terminate a young employee who came back some years later and said it was the best thing for him, because it motivated him to get into a field that he excelled at! You just never know!