26
Christian Leadership
heavy load from a fellow worker’s mind.—
The Review and Herald,
April 28, 1903
.
Responsible for Those Who Follow Their Example—The lead-
ers are responsible not only for their own unsanctified mistakes, but
[22]
for the mistakes of those who follow their example. When reproved
for bringing in wrong principles they manifest a perverse spirit, a spirit
that will not be corrected or humbled.—
Manuscript 139, 1903
, p. 14
(October 23, 1903, “The Message in Revelation”).
Influence Reflected in People—There is need of Nehemiahs in
the church today,—not men who can pray and preach only, but men
whose prayers and sermons are braced with firm and eager purpose.
The course pursued by this Hebrew patriot in the accomplishment of
his plans is one that should still be adopted by ministers and leading
men. When they have laid their plans, they should present them to the
church in such a manner as to win their interest and co-operation. Let
the people have a personal interest in its prosperity. The success attend-
ing Nehemiah’s efforts shows what prayer, faith, and wise, energetic
action will accomplish. Living faith will prompt to energetic action.
The spirit manifested by the leader will be, to a great extent, reflected
by the people. If the leaders professing to believe the solemn, impor-
tant truths that are to test the world at this time, manifest no ardent
zeal to prepare a people to stand in the day of God, we must expect
the church to be careless, indolent, and pleasure-loving.—
Christian
Service, 177
.
[23]