- In every group of people there are some that are chronically "ever learning but never coming to the knowledge of the truth." (2 Timothy 3:7) A long-suffering leader will be patient with these people.
- In every group of people there are some who are "weak and feeble-minded" who must be "comforted and supported."
- In every group of people there are some who will insult, criticize or misunderstand the leader.
A wise leader must practice the proverb; "A soft answer turneth away wrath." (Proverbs 15:1) He must learn never to strike back, but to fight evil with good.
A "long-suffering" leader is one who is dedicated to people's growth over the "long-term." Of Jesus it is said, "A bruised reed shall he not break and the smoking flax shall he not quench." (Matthew 12:20)
In other words, "a wounded person He shall not hurt, and a struggling believer He shall not take advantage of."
A long-suffering leader will not give up believing in God's people!
The Bible is full of examples of men and women who served with excellence. King David was one of those leaders. He was a GREAT leader because he was a GENTLE leader. He said, "Thy gentleness has made me great." (Psalms 18:35)
GREATNESS comes from GENTLENESS
If you want to be a great leader, you must let God develop the fruit of gentleness in you. Apostle Paul said: "But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: so being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because you were dear unto us." (1 Thessalonians 2:7-8)
Leaders who think they can get away with treating God's people brutishly are in for a big surprise. God won't tolerate leaders who treat HIS SHEEP wrong. "For pastors are become brutish and have not sought the Lord; therefore they shall not prosper, and all their flocks shall be scattered." (Jeremiah 10:21)
Wise leaders lead by example. Jesus never requires of us something that He doesn't require of Himself. Paul commanded pastors in 1 Peter 5:3 not to "be lords" (dictators) over god's heritage, but examples of the flock."
The servant leader should always see himself ON THE BOTTOM LIFTING GOD'S PEOPLE UP rather than ON THE TOP BARKING OUT ORDERS TO PEOPLE.
"For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves our servant for Jesus' sake." (2 Corinthians 4:5-6)
A Godly leader will lead by example in...
- TITHES, OFFERINGS, CHARACTER, COMMITMENT, SUBMISSION to AUTHORITY, LOVE and FORGIVENESS.
If you want people to follow you in something, simply set the example. "Be an example to the believers..." (1 Timothy 4:11-16)
- We cannot LEAD where we've never BEEN.
- We cannot teach the 10 Commandments if we aren't living them ourselves.
