Who is Your Leader?
In the 1860’s Sister White received a vision that it was time for God’s people to organize. Previous to this time they had not wanted to create any organization, believing that all members are equal and one should not be elevaied as the head. This original system worked for a short while, but as the followers of God increased it was time to set up an organization in order for things to run more smoothly.
“As our numbers increased, it was evident that without some form of organization there would be great confusion, and the work would not be carried forward successfully. To provide for the support of the ministry, for carrying the work in new fields, for protecting members, for holding church property, for the publication of the truth through the press, and for many other objects, organization was indispensable.” TM, p. 26.
When Israel was in the wilderness and Moses was trying to do all the work himself, Jethro came and counseled him to set up an organization so that everything would run more smoothly and efficiently. For a time it was appropriate for Moses to do all the leading, but there came a time for a change. There also came a time for a change amongst God’s true followers in the 1 SCO’s. Now it was time to elect a president, treasurer, secretary and a committee. Who should they choose? Who was worthy for those positions’? Were there some followers who were better than others? Some who were worthy of a higher rank? Unlike any worldly organization where you work your way up to a higher level as your knowledge and skill increases, God chooses a leader who is “subject to like passions” as the rest of the members. As Song as he follows the Biblical guidelines for his life as written in t Timothy chapter 3, he is worthy. The Lord does not look for superior skill or intellect; He looks for humility of heart, and firmness to the principles of truth. Those that are qualified are brethren equal to the rest of the membership. Never arc they to be exalted above their brethren. When this is done, he is sure to fall.
So the Lord chooses leaders. Not always do the leaders remain faithful. We have the example of King Saul. The Lord called him to a holy office, but he did not remain faithful during his term as king, yet the Lord allowed him to continue in his office for many years after his initial apostasy. The Lord revealed His will, when it was time to remove him from office.
We can’t base our faith on the experience of our leaders either. Sister White said, “Many a star that we have admired for its brilliancy will then go out in darkness.” 5T, p. 81. But we must remember that the leaders are appointed by the Lord for a specific job and we need to respect them in this office. Leaders need our encouragement and our help and most of all our understanding.
Often we are tempted to choose a leader that we personally like more than other leaders who are equally qualified. We may even make extra efforts to go listen to our favorites preach, willing even to travel great distances to hear them, while for other leaders we don’t make very much effort at all. We may praise one leader in our speech and conversation while ignoring another.
What is it that makes us do this? It is an unconverted human nature. If you find yourself preferring one leader over another, ask yourself why? This is not a new problem. In fact all throughout history this has been going on.
PREFERENCE TO THE MORE COMPLIANT LEADER
Moses and Aaron:
In the time of Moses, when Israel was in the wilderness at Mt Sinai, the Israelites preferred Aaron to Moses. Why is this?
Moses was in the mountain and in his absence, “the judicial authority had been delegated to Aaron, and a vast crowd gathered about his tent, with the demand, ‘Make us gods, which shall go before us; for as this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him.” The cloud, they said, that had heretofore led them now rested permanently upon the mount; it would no longer direct their travels. They must have an image in its place; and if, as had been suggested, they should decide to return to Egypt, they would find favor with the Egyptians by bearing this image before them and acknowledging it as their god.
“Such a crisis demanded a man of firmness, decision, and unflinching courage; one who held the honor of God above popular favor, personal safety, or life itself. But the present leader of Israel was not of this character. Aaron feebly remonstrated with the people, but his wavering and timidity at the critical moment only rendered them the more determined. The tumult increased. A blind unreasoning frenzy seemed to take possession of the multitude. There were some who remained true to their covenant with God, but the greater part of the people joined in the apostasy. A few who ventured to denounce the proposed image making as idolatry, were set upon and roughly treated, and in the confusion and excitement they finally lost their lives. Aaron feared for his own safety; and instead of nobly standing up for the honor of God, he yielded to the demands of the multitude.” PP, p. 316,317.
When Moses returned he called for Aaron and sternly demanded, “What did this people unto thee, that thou hast brought so great a sin upon them?” While Aaron tried to cover for himself by blaming the people, in saying that he would have been put to death had he not complied with their wishes, Moses was clearly putting the blame on the shoulders of Aaron. Aaron was the substitute leader in Moses’ absence and the leader is responsible for the spiritual welfare of his flock. Had Aaron stood firm, there would have been enough supporters on his side to protect him from the evil intentions of the unconsecrated multitude. He should have trusted in God for his protection. Never will it be permissible to commit a sin in order to preserve our lives. Moses looked at Aaron as the chief offender in this situation. “The fact that Aaron had been blessed and honored so far above the people was what made his sin so heinous. It was Aaron “the saint of the Lord” (Psalm 106:16), that had made the idol and announced the feast.” PP, p. 320.
“If Aaron had had courage to stand for the right, irrespective of consequences, he could have prevented that apostasy. If he had unswervingly maintained his own allegiance to God, if he had cited the people to the perils of Sinai, and had reminded them of their solemn covenant with God to obey His law, the evil would have been checked. But his compliance with the desires of the people and the calm assurance with which he proceeded to carry out their plans, emboldened them to go to greater lengths in sin than had before entered their minds.
“When Moses, on returning to the camp, confronted the rebels, his severe rebukes and the indignation he displayed in breaking the sacred tables of the law were contrasted by the people with his brother’s pleasant speech and dignified demeanor, and their sympathies were with Aaron. To justify himself, Aaron endeavored to make the people responsible for his weakness in yielding to their demand; but notwithstanding this, they were filled with admiration of his gentleness and patience. But God seeth not as man sees. Aaron’s yielding spirit and his desire to please had blinded his eyes to the enormity of the crime he was sanctioning. His course in giving his influence to sin in Israel cost the life of thousands. In what contrast with this was the course of Moses, who, while faithfully executing God’s judgments, showed that the welfare of Israel was dearer to him than prosperity or honor or life.
“Of all the sins that God will punish, none are more grievous in His sight than those that encourage others to do evil. God would have his servants prove their loyalty by faithfully rebuking transgression, however painful the act may be. Those who are honored with a divine commission are not to be weak, pliant timeservers. They are not to aim at self-exaltation, or to shun disagreeable duties, but to perform God’s work with unswerving fidelity.” PP, p. 323,324.
So we see that the people loved Aaron more than Moses in this instance, because Aaron bent to their sinful desires while Moses rebuked their sins. If a leader is admired more because he will not rebuke us for our sins, then we are admiring a leader who is like Aaron; not doing the will of God. On the converse, if a leader is not appreciated because he does point out our plague spots in our character, then we are making a grave mistake, Human nature does not like to have its sins pointed out, but our human nature must die, and Christ’s righteousness must cover our filthy rags. How much more should we appreciate the leader who is bold enough, and cares enough for our salvation, to help us see the plague spots in our character and encourage us to put them away.
SEEKING FALSE PROPHETS (OR RELIGIOUS LEADERS) BECAUSE THEY BRING A MORE PLEASING MESSAGE TO OUR EARS.
“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears: And they shall turn away ‘their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. ” 2 Timothy 4:3,4.
King Ahab:
In the time of King Ahab, Ahab preferred his false prophets because they prophesied pleasing things to him. When he was about to go into battle with King Jehoshaphat against the Syrians, King Jehoshaphat, who served the true and living God, asked that a prophet of God be sought to seek counsel of him.
“Although Jehoshaphat, in a moment of weakness, had rashly promised to join the king of Israel in his war against the Syrians, yet his better judgment led him to seek to learn the will of God concerning the undertaking. “Inquire, I pray thee, at the word of the Lord today,” he suggested to Ahab. In response, Ahab called together four hundred of the false prophets of Samaria, and asked of them, “Shall we go to Ramothgilead to battle, or shall I forbear?” And they answered, “Go up; for God will deliver it into the king’s hand.” PK, p. 195.
King Ahab brought a large group of prophets, who prophesied pleasing things. They were not prophets of Baal. King Ahab would not stoop that low as to bring Baal’s prophets when his friend asked for a prophet of God. Yet, they were still false prophets and King Jehoshaphat was able to discern that they were false.
“Unsatisfied, Jehoshaphat sought to learn for a certainty the will of God. “Is there not here a prophet of the Lord,” he asked, “That we might inquire of him”? “There is yet one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may inquire of the Lord,” Ahab answered; “But 3 hate him; for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil.” 1 Kings 22:8.” PK, p. 195.
The truth hurt and Ahab didn’t like the truth. The truth is like a sword, cutting away all our sinful desires and propensities, and often we don’t like that sword. Human nature doesn’t like to be told its sins and failures, and therefore, more often than not, will take it out against the leaders of the church – those that brought the counsel, instead of listening to the counsel and rooting out the evil in their own hearts.Evil usually hates the good. Micaiah was hated by Ahab only because his words were not in line with the desire of Israel’s wicked king, who wanted his own way, and wanted prophets who would prophesy accordingly.
“Jehoshaphat was firm in his request that the man of God be called; and upon appearing before them and being adjured by Ahab to tell “nothing but that which is true in the name of the Lord,” Micaiah said: “I saw all Israel scattered upon the hills, as sheep that have not a shepherd: and the Lord said. These have no master: let them return every man to his house in peace.” Verse 16, 17.”PK,p. 195, 196.
True prophets from God receive their messages from God, whether they be in accord with other voices or not. They speak truth – not necessarily to please the majority. The good is not always that which appears good or that which men desire to hear.
Far better is the unpalatable truth than welcome untruth. True prophets cannot be bribed or forced to prophesy smooth things. When a course of evil is seen, a true prophet can only describe it as evil. What is needed is not a change in the message on the part of the prophet, but a change of course on the part of the listener.
‘The words of the prophet should have been enough to show the kings that their project was not favored by Heaven, but neither ruler felt inclined to heed the warning. Ahab had marked out his course, and he was determined to follow it. jehoshaphat had given his word of honor, “We will be with tliee in the war;” and after making such a promise, he was reluctant to withdraw his forces. 2 Chronicles 18:3.” PK, p. 196.
Jehoshaphat should have, right then and there, refused to go to battle and try to persuade Ahab also to not go, but he had given his oath and to save face, he chose to go. By his willingness to stil! go, he was encouraging disaster to come upon the two nations.
The prophets of Israel were giving a message that Ahab WANTED to hear. They did not stop to consider that perhaps this false message would bring death to their king. They were only seeking his honour and respect. They were actually encouraging him to go on this foolish and disastrous mission. They were even using the name of Jehovah but they were not speaking for Him in reality. These prophets claimed to speak in the name of Jehovah, but were false prophets. The king of Judah was distinctly dissatisfied with the prophets of Israel. A true follower of the Lord will recognize a false prophet.
“So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah went up to Ramothgilead.” 1 Kings 22:29. The outcome of the battle was as Micaiah had prophesied. Although Jehoshaphat did not lose his life in this disastrous battle, we saw die results of his disobedience. King Ahab did lose his life, along with many of the soldiers. It never pays to ignore a message from God’s true messengers.
King Zedekiah:
King Zedekiah, the final king of the nation of Judah, was torn between listening to Jeremiah and to the false prophets and princes serving in his court. He put Jeremiah into an awful dungeon for a few days and into prison for a time, to try and quiet his conscience, but his conscience gave him no peace. He had many private meetings with Jeremiah since he knew Jeremiah to be God’s true prophet. He knew what Jeremiah was saying was the truth and this troubled him. No matter what he did to Jeremiah, his conscience was still there. Unfortunately he chose to listen to his princes, who were bringing pleasing but false messages, instead of listening to God’s messenger. The end was disastrous, resulting in the nation of Judah going captive into Babylon.
King Ahaziah:
When King Ahaziah, (son of King Ahab), was ruling in Israel, he fell from an upper floor when a lattice gave out. He was bedridden and sick unto death. King Ahaziah was a young man when the Lord was working through Elijah in the nation of Israel (during his father’s reign) to bring about a reform. He saw the stubbornness of his father, the evil of his mother and the disaster it brought to the nation; yet he would not yield to the Lord, He knew what happened to his father. He had witnessed the wonderful works of God. He knew the ability of the Lord to help him and also the terrible judgments meted out against the transgressors. For him to turn to Ekron in his time of need, was to deny the Lord and invite these judgements upon himself. When he was ill, he refused to call upon the Lord for help. Instead he sent his messengers directly to seek counsel from Beelzebub, god of Ekron. He was definitely not ignorant of the workings of the Lord, but he had chosen his leader and it was not the Lord. He died shortly after, in conversation with Elijah, cursing and swearing against the God of heaven.
We must trust that die messages our leaders bring us are truly messages from the Lord. Some will leave the truth when they can’t endure the strong messages. “They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would not doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.” 1 John 2:19. When Jesus brought a message that was difficult to accept, “Many therefore of his disciples, when they heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it? . . From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.” John 6:60, 66. It didn’t say that many of the common people left, but rather many of the disciples left Him; those that Jesus was preparing for leadership in the Christian church. Many times people have been shaken out of God’s church; people who we thought were strong and stable, but they couid not endure the messages of the Lord. I have even seen it happen that when people leave they claim to have a higher spiritual experience in their new church family, than they ever had while a member of God’s church. Is mis not what Eve thought after she ate the forbidden fruit? She felt as though she was entering a higher spiritual experience? The truth of the matter is that once Satan has them where he wants them (in a fallen church) they are no longer buffeted by him. He leaves them alone and they feel as though they are entering a higher spiritual experience; they are at peace. Can this be so, white they are violating the laws of God and/or supporting fallen organizations that God calls Babylon? Jesus said, “The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you;” John, 15:20.
THE PARTY SPIRIT: PREFERRING ONE MINISTER ABOVE ANOTHER, BOTH OF WHOM ARE FAITHFUL.
Then there is the case of Paul, Peter, Apollos and Christ. All were missionaries for the Lord, but the people were taking sides. “Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.” I Cor. 1:12.
“Paul had planted the seed of truth; Apollos now watered it. The success that attended Apollos in preaching the gospel led some of die believers to exalt his labors above those of Paul. This comparison of man with man brought into the church a party spirit that threatened to hinder greatly the progress of the gospel.” AA, p. 270. Is God divided? As far as Paul and Apollos were concerned, they were perfectly united.
Paul addresses the party that claimed to follow him. He shows no favour for this party. He is condemning them all for possessing this spirit. Comparison of one spiritual leader with another is contrary to the spirit of Christ.
As for Apollos, his personality, manner of labor, and the type of message he brought appealed to a certain class, who began to show him preference. Others refused to swerve from the loyalty they felt for Paul, who was the first one to bring the gospel to them. Then there was Peter. “In the early Christian church there were some who refused to recognize either Paul or Apollos, but held (hat Peter was their leader. They affirmed that Peter had been most intimate with Christ when the Master was upon the earth, while Paul had been a persecutor of the believers. Their views and feelings were bound about by prejudice. They did not show the liberality, the generosity, the tenderness, which reveals that Christ is abiding in the heart. There was danger that this party spirit would result in great evil to the Christian church.” AA, p. 279, 280.
“Paul had sought to impress upon the minds of the Corinthian brethren the fact that he and the ministers associated with him were but men commissioned by God to teach the truth, that they were all engaged in the same work, and that they were alike dependent upon God for success in their labors. The discussion that had arisen in the church regarding the relative merits of different ministers was not in the order of God, but was the result of cherishing the attributes of the natural heart. “While one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal: Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth anything, neither he that watereth; but God that given the increase.” 1 Corinthians 3:4-7-… To the Master Worker belongs the honor and glory that comes with success.” AA, p. 273, 274.
“Paul and Apollos were in perfect harmony. The latter was disappointed and grieved because of the dissension in the church at Corinth; he took no advantage of the preference shown to himself, nor did he encourage it, but hastily left the field of strife. When Paul afterward urged him to revisit Corinth, he declined and did not again labor there until long afterward when the church had reached a better spiritual state.” AA, p. 280.
“God’s servants do not all possess the same gifts, but they are all His workmen. Each is to learn of the Great Teacher, and is then to communicate what he has learned. God has given to each of His messengers an individual work. There is a diversity of gifts, but all the workers are to blend in harmony, controlled by the sanctifying influence of the Holy Spirit. As they make known the gospel of salvation, many will be convicted and converted by the power of God. The human instrumentality is hid with Christ in God, and Christ appears as the chiefest among ten thousand, the One altogether lovely.” AA, p. 275.
“God’s servants are to work together, blending in kindly, courteous order, “in honour preferring one another.” Romans 12:10. There is to be no unkind criticism, no pulling to pieces of another’s work; and there are to be no separate parties. Every man to whom the Lord has entrusted a message has his specific work. Each one has an individuality of his own, which he is not to sink in that of any other man. Yet each is to work in harmony with his brethren. Tn their service God’s workers are to be essentially one. No one is to set himself up as a criterion, speaking disrespectfully of his fellow workers or treating them as inferior. Under God each is to do his appointed work, respected, loved, and encouraged by the other labourers. Together they are to carry the work forward to completion.” AA, p. 275, 276.
” It is not given to any human being to judge between the different servants of God. The Lord alone is the judge of man’s work, and He will give to each his just reward.” Ibid.
“He who sends forth gospel workers as His ambassadors is dishonoured when there is manifested among the hearers so strong an attachment to some favourite minister that there is an unwillingness to accept the labors of some other teacher. The Lord sends help to His people, not always as they may choose, but as they need; for men are shortsighted and cannot discern what is for their highest good. It is seldom that one minister has all the qualifications necessary to perfect a church in all the requirements of Christianity; therefore God often sends to them other ministers, each possessing some qualifications in which the others were deficient.” AA, p. 277,278.
“The church should gratefully accept these servants of Christ, even as they would accept the Master Himself, They should seek to derive all the benefit possible from the instruction which each minister may give them from the word of God. The truths that the servants of God bring are to be accepted and appreciated in the meekness of humility, but no minister is to be idolized.” AA, p. 278.
CHRIST ONLY – NO HUMAN TEACHER
We have often met people in our ministry who do not want to connect themselves with any church. They believe that God will lead them into truth outside of any organization. They believe there is no necessity for organization. While we are not to idolize any minister or leader, and depend on their knowledge alone for our salvation, we are to learn from them and build upon the knowledge that they can impart to us. “In the apostles’ day there were some misguided souls who claimed to believe in Christ, yet refused to show respect to His ambassadors. They declared that they followed no human teacher, but were taught directly by Christ without the aid of the ministers of the gospel. They were independent in spirit and unwilling to submit to the voice of the church Such men were in grave danger of being deceived. God has placed in the church, as His appointed helpers, men of varied talents, that through the combined wisdom of many the mind of the Spirit may be met.” AA, p. 278,279.
This sentiment has often been felt if the present leader appears to not be as faithful as expected. Yet still, even in this case, it is not our duty to withdraw our respect for the leader. The Lord sets up leaders and the Lord decides when their work is finished. If they have fallen into sin, or are not being as faithful to their office as they could be, the Lord will direct His church as to the time to remove them from office. When open sin is revealed it is time to take action. It may also be a simple matter as a leader becoming too elderly and a younger leader is called to replace him. Through His Spirit, God will direct the affairs of the church and give wisdom to the General Conference delegates when they are in session. The Lord is the ultimate leader of the church.
“We have been inclined to think that where there are no faithful ministers there can be no true Christians, but this is not the case.
God has promised that where the shepherds are not true He will take charge of the flock Himself. God has
never made the flock wholly dependent upon human instrumentalities.” 5T, p. 80.
We must have God as our ultimate leader and respect the leaders God has chosen to lead His flock. It is not for us to choose which leader is better than another. If we find ourselves not getting along or liking a leader who has counseled us or pointed out some trouble spots in our character, perhaps we should examine our own hearts. Perhaps we are the problem and the leader is correct? Is it because of the message they bring? Is one bringing a message of reproof that is too close to our hearts? Is one bringing a message that docs not touch our treasured sins? Do we only like those leaders who preach smooth things’? Is it not time now to “Cry Aloud and Spare Not, lift up thy voice as a trumpet and show my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.”? Isaiah 58:1. This is the message for today. We are called to have the Elijah message for our time and Elijah was not quiet in his preaching. He did not preach smooth things. He was seen bringing a strong rebuke to the nation of Israel for their sins. It is not time to preach smooth sermons, to rock the people to fleep -it is time to present the truth for this time, in its stark reality, the end of the world is coming, it is nigh at hand, Get ready, get ready, get ready. It is high time to awake out of our sleep and make sure of our salvation, and this means first and foremost making sure we are anchored to the Rock, Jesus Christ, allowing Him to direct our lives.
God has appointed leaders in His church. He authorized the organization of His church for a puipose and as long as the leaders and members follow the Lord’s plan, the church will prosper. Trees without fruit are cut down as cumberers of the ground. Whether they are leaders or lay members, God is no respecter of persons. It is not our duty to prefer one leader to another or to get into the party spirit that was plaguing the Corinthian church. We must respect all leaders as sent of God for our spiritual nourishment and counsel. Today is the day of salvation; tomorrow may be too late. The time is not far distant when the test will come to every soul. Will we be ready? Then we must all come into unity of spirit and truth with our brethren and leaders.
AMEN