Leadership: Dealing with Internal Troubles

Ephraim’s Rancour
Jephthah’s Response
Israel’s Rest

The church can sometimes be its worst enemy. In congregations there can be divisions and rancour. Some can turn against the elder and sow discord. This is true in the home also, where children and one parent can gang up against the other parent. These things can cause serious divisions. The wise leader knows that the goal of life is not to become preoccupied with personal insults but to bring the world under the dominion of Jesus Christ. He knows that divisions detract from that drive.

So what makes a leader effective? His heart has been changed by the Lord. He lives for the Savior. He then imitates what he has learned from the Good Shepherd who gave his life for the sake of the lost sheep. He knows that Jesus might break the leg of a straying sheep (discipline) so he learns to stay home. He knows that Jesus binds up the wounds of the one who is hurt. These are the kinds of leaders to whom you must willingly submit and support and for whom you must regularly pray!