Principles for Christian Leaders

Represents Christ

Let all consider that whatever their employment they are to represent Christ. With steadfast purpose let every man seek to have the mind of Christ. Especially should those who have accepted the positions of directors or counselors feel that they are required to be in every respect Christian gentlemen. While in dealing with others we are always to be faithful, we should not be rude. The souls with whom we have to do are the Lord’s purchased possession, and we are to permit no hasty, overbearing expression to escape the lips.—MS 14, 1896 (April 28); TM 262 PCL 67.2

God can use the human agent just to the extent that he will be worked by the Holy Spirit. To men who accept positions of responsibility as presidents, ministers, physicians, or workers in any line, I am bidden to say: God will test every man who enters His service. He does not measure our ability by the standard of the world. He does not ask, Do they possess learning and eloquence? Have they ability to command and control and manage? He asks, Will they represent My character? Will they walk in humility, that I may teach them My way? The soul temple must not be defiled by any loose or unclean practice. Those whom I will acknowledge in the courts of heaven must be without spot and wrinkle. PCL 67.3

The Lord will use humble men to do a great and good work. Through them He will represent to the world the ineffaceable characteristics of the divine nature.—Letter 270, 1907 (August 30) PCL 68.1

However high may be our position, as children of God it becomes us to be meek and lowly of heart. The heavier the responsibilities we venture to bear, the more diligent students we should be in the school of Christ, ever learning of Him the manner of His speech, the kindness, the merciful forbearance, the tender, pitying love, the yearning compassion of His Spirit. Christ manifests compassion toward those who most need His help and strength, toward those who have most difficult battles to fight. In this regard those who have accepted holy office of trust should learn a most thorough lesson. Unless they learn of Christ they will fail to reveal tenderness, sympathy, and compassion. PCL 68.2

The atmosphere that surrounds the soul must be vitalized by heavenly principle, for naturally our influence is but evil. When all feel that it is a positive duty to see what atmosphere surrounds their soul, and by viewing Christ with the eye of faith to keep above the fogs and the clouds, and look upon Him who is invisible, then our influence will exert a continual power, no matter what may be our calling or position. He who continually beholds Christ will make it manifest in his spirit, in his words, in his course of action. He will not crowd anyone, will not push tried souls into stronger temptation, or indifferently leave them on Satan’s battleground. He will reach out a hand to help, and seek to draw souls upward and heavenward. PCL 68.3

As a laborer together with God, he will see to it that the feet of the tempted ones are firmly planted on the Rock of ages. Personal communion with God is the only means by which holiness of character may be prompted. Let those who are dealing with souls watch unto prayer lest they destroy those for whom Christ has died by a harsh spirit and unwise modes of action. As you work inquire, Is this the way that Christ would work? Is this course of action after the divine similitude? Every man who accepts a leading position is charged of the Lord to guard his actions with holy jealousy, lest he shall make a blunder in dealing with human minds. To lose one’s own soul because of pursuing a perverted course of action, is a terrible calamity, but how much more terrible is it to pursue a course of action that will destroy the souls of others! Many are ruining souls by taking a thoughtless, un-Christlike course of action. PCL 69.1

Men in positions of influence, men who have ventured to assume responsibility, are dealing with human minds in a manner wholly unlike the manner in which Jesus dealt with human minds. Their friendship does not profit but rather weakens and destroys. The manner in which they deal with the erring has been represented to me under this figure—they are like a man in a boat who sees another struggling in the waves for his life. The drowning man tries to grasp hold of the boat to save his life, but instead of reaching out a helping hand to the perishing to lift him into the boat, he reaches down to break the drowning man’s grasp, and leaves him to perish in the dark hungry waters. This represents the course of many. PCL 69.2

As soon as some men begin to feel that they have an influence, then they begin to manifest their power in oppressing and domineering over their fellow men. The Lord lives and reigns, and He will require for all these things. With what holy jealousy should the individual guard his thoughts, that his heart may be clean from all jealousy, and his words be sweet and fragrant, a savor of life unto life.—Letter 16a, 1895 (February 8) PCL 69.3

God will reveal through such workers the power of His grace. His servants are to be distinguished from the world by the seal of the living God; their words and their works are to reveal that they are laborers together with God.—Letter 270, 1907 (August 30) PCL 70.1

Sweetness, gentleness, patience, long-suffering, love, and the strictest integrity must be manifested by those who stand at the head of every working force, because Christ is present, to see how His character is lived before the workmen. Every worker should feel that in his room angels preside, for Satan will seize every opportunity to weave in some of his sentiments and attri- butes.—Letter 2, 1900 (January 3) PCL 70.2