Trusting God When Leaders Err: A Guide to Patience and Unity

It is a test of faith and loyalty to remain steadfast and patient when those in positions of responsibility appear to err, yet the counsel is clear that we must trust God to handle His work and His workers rather than taking matters into our own hands.

God’s Sovereignty Over Human Failure

When difficulties arise within the administration of the work, it is vital to remember that God is at the helm. Even when leaders have many difficulties to meet and err in their action, the Lord knows it all and is fully capable of overruling these mistakes for the good of those who trust in HimCW 156.3. We must not think that the work depends solely on human agents; while men may be entrusted with responsibilities, they sometimes acknowledge only the power of an unsanctified willCW 71.3. However, God has not passed His people by, and He will not forsake His cause; He is the one who will eventually set things in order when His time has fully comeCW 95.3.

The Call to Wait and Trust

The natural human reaction to perceived error in leadership is to become anxious or to seek immediate relief through human devising. However, the instruction is to wait, patiently wait, even when delays seem tedious or appear to be working personal injuryCW 156.3. This patience is not passivity, but a continued trust that God will adjust matters satisfactorily in His own timeCW 156.3. We are warned against "feverish frettings" or seeking relief by means that are contrary to the will of God, for such actions often lead to worse temptationsCW 156.3. We must rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him Psalms 37:7.

Refraining from Condemnation and Attack

It is not the work of the believer to attack individuals or institutions, nor to engage in harsh criticism of those in authority. We must weed out of our discourses everything that savors of retaliation, defiance, or making a drive against churches and individualsCW 64.1. Even when those in positions of trust exercise power unscrupulously, we are to leave the matter of condemning authorities wholly in God’s keepingCW 71.3. This aligns with the biblical example of Christ, who, even when contending with the enemy, brought no railing accusation but left the judgment to the Lord Jude 9CW 58.2.

Preserving Unity and Avoiding Dissension

Satan constantly seeks to cause dissension, knowing that he can counteract the work of God by creating breaches among brethrenCW 74.1. Therefore, we should not make differences apparent or create a breach when there is no need, but rather strive for the unity that Christ prayed for John 17:21CW 78.2. To step in and try to forcefully correct the work often runs the risk of interposing oneself between the people and the message of heavenCW 38.2. Instead, we must humble ourselves, put away the strife for supremacy, and allow the Lord to be the one who rebukes and correctsCW 38.2+1.

...d to that matter it is right that I should speak to them. They have many difficulties to meet, and if they err in their action, the Lord knows it all, and can overrule all for the good of those who trust in Him. I sympathize with you in your difficulties and perplexities, but I must advise you to wait, patiently wait. These delays may seem to you to be very tedious, and to be working you personal injury; but please...— CW 156.3 (1946)

... have been giving; and all who believe will be far more earnest for the salvation of our opponents. Let God have the matter of condemning authorities and governments wholly in His own keeping. In meekness and love, let us as faithful sentinels defend the principles of truth as it is in Jesu...— CW 71.3 (1946)

...erstanding. It is not wise to find fault continually with what is done by the rulers of government. It is not our work to attack individuals or institutions. We should exercise great care lest we be understood as putting ourselves in opposition to the civi...— CW 68.1 (1946)

Hold Distinctive Features Prominent—The religion of Jesus is endangered. It is being mingled with worldliness. Worldly policy is taking the place ...— CW 95.3 (1946)

...ere is difference upon any parts of the understanding of some particular passage of Scripture, then do not be with pen or voice making your differences apparent and making a breach when there is no need of this— CW 78.2 (1946)