Tag: Fruit of the Spirit

No Leadership In Isolation

January 19, 2026 bobturner Daily Leadership, saltJournal 0 Comments

N.T. Wright addresses Christian character at length.

First, he examines the virtuous purpose of Christian character. The Christian life is one that develops the virtue to act naturally.

Second, he discusses the need for character transformation, a renewal of mind. Character transformation occurs within, creating a change in behavior.

Third, he considers the virtues of faith, hope and love. These virtues connect to the development of the fruit of the Spirit within the context of community.

The premise emphasizes practice and community. We need each other to implement these virtues. We cannot develop as spiritual leaders in isolation.

Demonstrating Leadership

January 15, 2026 bobturner Daily Leadership, saltJournal 0 Comments

Philip Kenneson’s book, Life on the Vine, makes a significant point when considering spiritual leadership.  He describes the need to view the fruit of the Spirit with an “others-directed” mindset. 

From a leadership perspective, the idea guides our steps with a focus on others: people-centric. 

Initially, it is logical to think about developing the fruit of the Spirit as qualities within our own lives, but Kenneson’s idea involves demonstrating––rather than developing––these qualities toward others.

When this happens, our leadership soars. Followers see and know that leaders always have their best interest at heart.

A Kind Word

September 9, 2024 bobturner Daily Leadership, saltJournal 0 Comments

In the harshness of our present world, the power behind a kind word strengths the nature of leadership.

Speaking with kindness benefits every level of a leader’s influence. When a word is spoken with kindness several results occur.

The desire to achieve kindness benefits others.
The value or worth of the individual is raised to a level of importance.
The fruit of the Spirit develops into a more Christlike quality.
The goal of unity among brethren is exemplified.
The example of Christ’s sacrifice is characterized by our sacrifice.
The outreach to a world of non-Christians is built upon a foundation of love.

Ultimately, God is glorified.

Leading with Self-Control

May 9, 2024 bobturner Daily Leadership, saltJournal 0 Comments

Self-control is about mastery over self by becoming a servant.

When we understand the fruit of the Spirit as qualities demonstrated outwardly, towards other people, it can be confusing when we come to self-control. We often see this more inwardly focused.

This is an incorrect assumption. Self-control, like the rest, is to be focused on others, or “others-directed.” I like the term “others-centric.”

It should stand to reason that if we are others-centric we would cultivate the self-control we need, not with self as the focus but with the focus on others.

This quality will not allow us to be self-centered.

Dying on the Vine

April 26, 2024 bobturner Daily Leadership, saltJournal 0 Comments

In his book Life on the Vine, Cultivating the Fruit of the Spirit in Christian Community, Philip Kenneson talks about the need to demonstrate the “Fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22-24).

The idea aligns with his thesis which focuses on an “others-directed,” rather than “self-directed,” approach to living the Christian life.

He opens the book with a discussion about “Dying on the Vine,” a strong examination of where we are spiritually.

Leaders can try to ignore, deny, or neglect the reality of the present situation, or take steps to form a different direction, helping others walk more closely with the Savior.

Words of Kindness…

February 9, 2021 bobturner Daily Leadership, saltJournal 0 Comments

The value of speaking with kindness benefits every level of a leader’s influence. When a word is spoken with kindness several results occur.

The desire to benefit the person is demonstrated.

The value or worth of the individual is elevated.

The fruit of the Spirit testifies to being more Christlike.

The goal of unity is exemplified by serving one another.

The outreach to the world is built on a foundation of love.

Kindness requires us to get our personal agendas, preconceived ideas, desires, and motivations out of the way so our light can be displayed and God glorified.

Fruit of the Spirit: Part 1…

August 3, 2020 bobturner Daily Leadership, Uncategorized 0 Comments

In his book, Life on the Vine: Cultivating the Fruit of the Spirit in Christian Community, Philip Kenneson expresses  the need to demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit in an “other-directed” approach, rather than “self-directed.”

Kenneson opens with “Dying on the Vine,” an examination of where we are spiritually.

Leaders can ignore, deny, or neglect the reality of the present situation, or take steps to form a different direction, one directed toward others to help them walk more closely with God.

Join me over the next two weeks as we look at his discussion of the fruit of the Spirit.

Purchase saltLesson Booklets

Subscriptions

Subscribe by RSS

Subscribe by email

* indicates required