Against the persecution of a tyrant the godly have no remedy but prayer.
John CalvinRead
The pastor ought to have two voices: one, for gathering the sheep; and another, for warding off and driving away wolves and thieves. The Scripture supplies him with the means of doing both.
Interpretation
A leader must possess two distinct approaches: one to attract and support followers, and another to defend against adversaries.
In this quote, John Calvin emphasizes the dual responsibility of a leader, particularly a pastor, to nurture and guide their community while also protecting them from threats. This reflects the complex nature of leadership, where the ability to inspire and defend are equally crucial for maintaining the integrity and safety of the group.
In practice
In a sermon about leadership qualities within the church.
Against the persecution of a tyrant the godly have no remedy but prayer.
Man is never sufficiently touched and affected by the awareness of his lowly state until he has compared himself with God's majesty.
Whomever the Lord has adopted and deemed worthy of His fellowship ought to prepare themselves for a hard, toilsome, and unquiet life, crammed with very many and various kinds of evil.
For as the aged, or those whose sight is defective, when any book, however fair, is set before them, though they perceive that there is something written, are scarcely able to make out two consecutive words, but, when aided by glasses, begin to read distinctly, so Scripture, gathering together the impressions of Deity, which, till then, lay confused in our minds, dissipates the darkness, and shows us the true God clearly.
When God wants to judge a nation, He gives them wicked rulers.
Wherever we see the Word of God purely preached and heard, there a church of God exists, even if it swarms with many faults.
Your position never gives you the right to command. It only imposes on you the duty of so living your life that others can receive your orders without being humiliated.
I am struggling to maintain the government, not to overthrow it. I am struggling especially to prevent others from overthrowing it.
Personal leadership is the process of keeping your vision and values before you and aligning your life to be congruent with them.
I don't believe in team motivation. I believe in getting a team prepared so it knows it will have the necessary confidence when it steps on a field and be prepared to play a good game.
Leaders lead but in the end it's the people who deliver.
Surround yourself with smart, dedicated people - to build something isn't a one-man show. It's more important to have smart people who really believe in what you're doing than really experienced people who may not share your dream.
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