Leaders beware!

I am instructed to say that when a man swells to large, undue proportions, the people should assemble and in the name of the Lord release that man from office, and put some one in who will not suppose that he is sufficient in wisdom to define how every branch of the work shall be conducted, but one who will seek to find out what is his duty. It is the privilege of the conference president to say, “I have this responsibility. If I lost the sweet spirit of Jesus Christ, with its softening, subduing influence that is to constitute me a light amid the moral darkness, then I must no longer hold this sacred office”—Letter 378, 1907 (November 11)PCL 140.3

Should your [R. F. Andrews] ideas be narrowing instead of broadening and enlarging? Yet this has been the case. You have had secular interests which have taxed you both mentally and physically, exhausting those powers which should have been given without reserve to the work of God.PCL 141.1

But what need have I to present this, and more than this, to you? Have I not presented this matter before you in the conference and urged it upon ministers and presidents? You have not been faithful in your conference; while you have tied men to yourself, you have not united them to the self-sacrificing Redeemer. You have not harnessed them to the car of progress. Your conference is in a deplorable condition, all for the want of a thorough-going, judicious minister who will bind off the edges that his work may not ravel out and present an unpolished appearance. . . .PCL 141.2

What can be done for the president? Under the present administration there will not be much change for the better; things will not be placed on a much better basis while murmurings in regard to the General Conference and excuses for the neglect of duty are encouraged rather than repressed. I mourn for you, a man possessing ability and yet so little advancement to show in your conference.PCL 141.3

You have robbed the workers of their just dues by the small amount you have granted them. You have belittled the sacred work of God. The ministers have had to suffer in consequence of your not doing your duty to them and to the churches. You wanted to please and not incur displeasure. But you have incurred the displeasure of the Chief Shepherd for you have, both by precept and example, allowed the people to do wrong. What can be done in this matter? What can be done?PCL 141.4

Will the ministers awake? Will the presidents take the “Testimonies” of mercy which God has given them? Will they do something, and do it now? Will they heed the prayer of Jesus, “I sanctify myself that they may be sanctified”? (John 17:19). Generally, the people rise no higher than the minister or the president. If he is a devoted man, losing self and selfish interest in Jesus Christ, his example will have a telling power in that direction on the people.—Letter 6, 1883 (November)PCL 142.1

The worker who considers himself in a position of such high responsibility, that he allows the members of the churches to look to him to voice their decisions and control their actions, is educating men and women to wear a human yoke. They are not learning of the divine Teacher. To the one who is being led to have such an experience, I would say, Go to Christ; ask Him to give you an experience; learn to emulate His faultless character, and do not look for experience or guidance to any human being, who is as liable to err as yourself [G. W. Reaser].PCL 142.2

There are reasons why we should not put our trust in men who are placed in positions of large responsibility. It is often difficult for them to maintain a humble and teachable spirit. They suppose that their position gives them the power to control their fellows, and they flatter themselves, as did Peter, that they will not fall under temptation.—Letter 324, 1907 (October 3)PCL 142.3