Principles for Christian Leaders

Influenced by Christ

He who is chosen as a leader in the work of God is to reveal a holy temper, and a Christlike love. He is to make God his dependence. Unless he does this he will be in danger of setting in operation movements that will hinder the work of God and of giving the impression that God is serving with the sinners in zion. This has been done over and over again. Many souls will be lost because the guardians of the flock have cooperated with the prince of the power of the air to hedge up the way for the advancement of the work according to the directions left by Christ.—Letter 212, 1903 (September 23) PCL 62.2

We want men who will make it their first business to wrestle with God in prayer, and then go forth in the wisdom of the inspiration that God can give. Then we are a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men. If men would not have their minds darkened, their hearts hardened, they must obey God at any cost to themselves. They are not only to pray to God, but to act their prayers.—Letter 121, 1900 (August 13) PCL 62.3

A man is not fit to be a commander unless he himself is under the discipline of God. PCL 63.1

Behold the perfection of Christ who possessed all the attributes of the Godhead and all the perfections and excellencies of humanity. He is our example. You must learn Christ’s way, for it is the only way that will qualify you to carry on the work that Christ left His disciples to do.—Letter 11a, 1894 (January 2) PCL 63.2

I exhort all who are connected with our work at Takoma Park to bring Christ into all that they do and say. Lift Him up, higher and still higher, that by beholding Him, you may be changed into the same image. To you, and to all others who believe in Him, He becomes an inspiring force. To all who receive Him, He gives power to become the sons of God. Only by obtaining this power can we gain perfection of character.—Letter 15, 1905 (January 11) PCL 63.3

Leaders in the work cannot be men who will be unsympathetic, sharp, and overbearing. These brethren in high places and in low places who turn off responsibilities will become as children in understanding. They cannot grow unless encouraged. O, that all in responsible positions may be fully qualified, with symmetrical characters themselves, to represent the kindness and love of Jesus in the great and glorious work to which they are called, cherishing simplicity, yet with Christlike dignity in harmony with sacred truth.—Letter 6, 1892 (May 1) PCL 63.4

We are to learn from Christ, now, to work to be self-denying, self-sacrificing as He was. If we have His spirit, we shall realize the worth of souls and shall work for their salvation. Our work is to be done wholly through the grace of Christ. We shall have a continual sense of our weakness and frailty and shall look to Jesus in earnest prayer for His wisdom and efficiency. There will be times of despondency as we realize our unlikeness to Christ. We see ourselves small, weak, and compassed with infirmities; but we are to depend upon Jesus, we should commit [our] ways unto the Lord and while we trust in Him, in humility, obedience to His Word, heavenly wisdom will be imparted to us to do the Master’s work. Our lives may seem a tangle; we cannot see how it is to be straightened, but there is a wise Master Worker; and if we commit ourselves fully to Him, our lives and characters will be woven into such patterns as He may plan for our good and His own glory.—MS 16, 1890 (October 1) PCL 63.5

Christ set an example that is to be followed by those who are today striving to extend the kingdom of righteousness. He laid down the principle that those who rule over men should be men under the control of the divine Ruler. They must be men who have learned how to control themselves, men who live quiet, peaceable lives in obedience to the commandments. Christ did not enter into the minutiae of the work of those who are given charge of His church, but if they are under the supervision of God, they will know what their work is and what course to pursue.—MS 107, 1908 (October 21) PCL 64.1