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Key Bible Verse: For examples of patience in suffering … look at the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord (James 5:10). Bonus Reading:James 5:7–8, 10–11

Jonathan Edwards, pastor of the prestigious Northampton, Massa-cussets, Congregational church, was a leading figure of the eighteenth century First Great Awakening. Religious leaders, like the famous preacher George Whitefield, traveled great distances to meet with him and discuss theological matters.

Yet even a man of Edwards's credentials wasn't exempt from criticism. When Edwards sought assurance that those in his congregation had experienced genuine conversion, a group of discontented church members took exception. They launched a slanderous campaign against him that ultimately led to his dismissal from the church he'd made famous. Edwards assumed a modest pastorate in the small frontier town of Stockbridge. One of the greatest theological minds and devoutest pastor in American history was forced out of his church by malicious detractors.

Eventually Jonathan Edwards was vindicated before his critics. Some of his most vocal opponents publicly confessed their sinfulness in attacking their godly minister. Ultimately, Princeton University hired Edwards as its president.

—Henry and Richard Blackaby in Spiritual Leadership

My Response: If developing a thick skin is part of leadership, here's how I'm doing:

Thought to Apply: The crowd doesn't recognize a leader until he's gone; then they build a monument for him with stones they threw at him in life.
—Oswald Sanders

Adapted from: Spiritual Leadership (Broadman & Holman, 2001) by permission.

Copyright © 2002 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.
Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

Thank you, Lord, for men I know who demonstrate godly leadership. Help me to be more like them.

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