Counsel for Overbearing Leaders: Conversion and Gentle Authority

It is essential for any leader exhibiting an overbearing disposition to immediately seek a complete conversion of character, laying aside all controlling and dictatorial authority to genuinely represent the mind of Christ in all interactions 🙏16LtMs, Lt 21, 1901, par. 18+2.

This type of spirit is fundamentally opposed to the principles of God’s government and must be overcome through deep spiritual effortT27 173.2+1.

Understanding the Overbearing Spirit

The indulgence of a harsh, overbearing, or dictatorial spirit is one of the most serious defects a leader can possess, as it reveals that they are governed by the spirit of the enemy of all righteousnessKC 110.3+2.

• A History of Rebellion: The first man recorded who began to exercise despotism and take the title of king in defiance of God was Nimrod, whose very name signifies "rebellion" or "the extremely impious rebel" Genesis 10:8-9CHPA 14.1.

• A Curse on Leadership: High-handed power, where men act as if their positions make them gods, is a curse wherever it is exercisedChL 31.2. This lording it over God’s heritage creates disgust of man's jurisdiction and ultimately results in a state of insubordinationChL 31.2.

• Disqualification: A quick temper and a harsh, overbearing spirit reveal that the possessor should not be placed where they are called to decide weighty questions that affect God’s heritage1MCP 80.2.

• Home and Church Consistency: The exact spirit exercised at home, whether impatient, fretful, or overbearing, is manifested in church relationships, crippling influence and showing a lack of Christ's spirit1888 245.2+3.

The Call to Character Transformation

The only way to conquer this deeply rooted flaw is through intense, personalized spiritual effortT27 173.2.

• Subdue the Will: The dictatorial, overbearing will must be subdued and surrendered, allowing the self-sufficient spirit to die2LtMs, Lt 4, 1870, par. 18+2.

• Emulate Christ: Leaders must place themselves at the feet of Christ as learners and make every effort to have the mind of Christ, cultivating meekness and lowliness of heart18LtMs, Lt 55, 1903, par. 23+2. The will must be exercised in the right direction: to be a wholehearted Christian, hungering and thirsting after righteousness Matthew 5:6CCh 185.5.

• Embrace Gentleness: Seek for the refining grace of God, becoming meek, gentle, and childlike, instead of continuing in roughness and severity9MR 154.5+2. When addressing others, one must be tender-hearted, pitiful, and courteous, letting every word be that which the Saviour would speak under similar circumstances1888 1755.2+1.

• Cultivate Godly Virtues: Leaders must pursue the virtues found in the wisdom from above: being peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy, and without hypocrisy James 3:17 (implied),1888 249.3.

Counsel for Interactions with Fellow Workers

In dealing with others, especially those associated in the work of God, a leader must remember that they are all brothers and sisters, and that one alone is the Master, even Christ Matthew 23:814LtMs, Ms 149, 1899, par. 1+1.

• Be a Christian Gentleman: Those in positions of directors or counselors are required to be in every respect Christian gentlemenTM 262.2+1. While being faithful in dealing with others, they must never be rudeTM 262.2+1.

• No Dominating Hand: God calls upon those who have exercised undue authority to take off from His workers every dominating hand and understand that no one is given power to control the actions of God's peopleSpM 413.4+1.

• Treat Men as Men: Do not treat people as servants to be ordered about at pleasurePC 397.1+1. He who indulges a harsh, overbearing spirit might better become a tender of sheep, as Moses did, to learn the lessons of being a true, gentle shepherdPC 397.1.

• Practice Courtesy and Yielding: Leaders must guard against anything that has the semblance of a domineering spirit and must seek a closer walk with God, avoiding the stirring up of strife by domineering words and actionsLLM 181.5+2. They must also feel the necessity of occasionally yielding their judgment to that of others4T 130.3.

• Recognize God's Presence: When God's presence is recognized in all assemblies and business meetings, this realization serves as a safeguard against imprudent, passionate speeches and all desire to domineerPaM 252.3.

The Danger of Uncorrected Faults

Failure to repent of and overcome these dictatorial tendencies will have ruinous effects on the leader and those around them1T 685.4.

• Loss of Influence: An overbearing spirit separates the hearts of brethren, crippling the influence and making the counsel of the leader ineffective1888 245.2.

• Damage to Others: Overbearing words can hurt children and lead them to practice deception to avoid stern rebuke2MCP 577.1. Uncorrected faults are often reproduced in children, potentially leading to permanent injury to their character4T 499.2.

• Ultimate Failure: Such conduct is often characterized by pride and the haughtiness of men, which shall be bowed down when the Lord alone is exalted Isaiah 2:10-12. If the defects in character are not overcome, probation may close before the necessary determined efforts have been made, leading to failure of eternal lifeT28 123.3+1. The kingdom is given to the humble and contrite, and heaven is worth a lifelong, persevering effortT27 173.2.