file: /pub/resources/text/Our.Daily.Bread/db940731.txt
------------------------------------------------------




OUR DAILY BREAD                        Sunday, July 31,1994
---------------
READ: 1 Peter 5:1-11

                      "PULLING POWER"

               Shepherd the flock of God ...,
                 not for dishonest gain but
              eagerly; nor as being lords over
                   those entrusted to you.

                      - 1 Peter 5:2-3

Dwight D. Eisenhower used to demonstrate the art of leader-
ship in a simple but forceful way. He would place a single
piece of string on a table and say, "Pull it, and it follows
wherever you want it to go.  But push it, and it goes no-
where."

This principle of leadership applies in the church as well
as in the military.  Autocratic, demanding pastors will
sooner or later drive people away with their ironhanded tac-
tics.  Individuals deserve to be listened to carefully and
treated with dignity.

Peter recognized this when he wrote to some of the leaders
of the early church:  "Shepherd the flock of God which is
among you, . . . not by compulsion but willingly, not for
dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those
entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock"  (1 Pet.
5:2-3).  Peter had lived with Jesus and observed His method
of leadership.  It was strong, gentle, respectful, and car-
ried the authority of a consistent example.

Regardless of our leadership position, "Pulling power" has a
greater chance of success than the push of authoritative
demands.  Pushing may bring about outward compliance, but
good leadership creates an inner willingness to follow be-
cause of what is seen in the life of the leader.

Author:  Dennis J. De Haan

        The past of leadership are trod
        By those who humbly walk with God;
        Their gracious spirit holds a sway
        That makes us want to go their way.

                          - Dennis J. De Haan

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
-------------------
A good leader not only knows the way
   but shows the way.

The Bible in One Year:  Nahum 1-3

------------------------------------------------------------
Our Daily Bread, Copyright 1994, used by permission of Radio
Bible Class, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49555, USA. Written per-
mission must be obtained from RBC for any further posting or
distribution. RBC provides a variety of Bible resources,
which are free of charge. RBC is not funded by any group or
denomination, and support comes voluntarily from its Members
and friends. Write for more information, or call 1-800-598-
7221
------------------------------------------------------------