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It is easy to be militant in dealing with human relationships.
It takes no special concern, nature or talent to lash out, act like
the big boss, rule in tyranny, always "see" clearly in "one's own eyes
and understanding" and act accordingly in giving direction and making
decisions.
But, it does take something special, something different, another
nature--it takes the Holy Spirit of God to guide, control, lead, rule,
set an example for, be patient with, believe the best of and gently
nurture and help to motivate in the right direction those we work with
who also are God's heirs and potential sons and daughters in His Kingdom.
I believe I have just as much "righteous indignation" as anyone
in this Church toward rebellion against our GREAT GOD, defiance against
His awesome power and authority, disdain and criticism directed against
His Church, open disobedience and misconduct that brings shame on both
the person and the Work at large.
But, when dealing with those guilty of such things and more, I
also want to be very sure that I try to understand the "whys," the
causes, and then work to restore such people to a repentant and sub
servient relationship with God. If after counsel, correction and
rebuke, as necessary, the only course left is removal by disfellowship,
publicly "noting," making an example of the case before others, then
that is the way it must be and will be! However, such action, God
willing and with His help, will always be motivated by love and the
hope that it will produce change, and not motivated by intolerance or
the de.
sire to "rule in authority.
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And let me assure you that I will
not be pressured and intimidated to act and react in a way that I��
strongly believe is unchristian just because others may attack and
criticize!
�
Frank Tarkenton (the famous NFL Quarterback for the Minnesota Vi
kings) wrote in a magazine recently that the first of three all-important
motivational factors in successful management which he had learned by
observation and experience was the proper example set by the motivator,
or by superiors. The second factor is giving proper direction and ob
jective, and the third is to follow up with the appropriate consequence
whether it be recognition, praise, reward or whatever.
Is this counsel not thoroughly consistent with God's biblical
instruction and wisdom? Yes, of course it is.
The ministry at all levels is to first of all be an example. We
are to supply direction by example as well as teaching. And obviously
we all need incentive that results from recognition, compliments, and
proper recompense. We are to "rule" in the Church of God. But,
never as lords, drivers, taskmasters, dictators, tyrants, reveling in
our positions of authority and power. Christ said this was the way of
the Gentiles.
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As the Apostle Paul said to the Corinthians, which would you rather
see and experience, the spirit of meekness or the wielding of the big
stick? I would rather serve in love, meekness, patience, tolerance,
mercy, gentleness,and with hope coupled with faith that in so doing we
will see more inspiring and encouraging results.
I would rather be strong in my love for Christ, my compassion and
understanding toward my fellowman and firm in my resolve to keep the