Bible Students

This week’s reading covers the first seven chapters of Lincoln on Leadership. Lincoln was a man who told many stories. Stories are helpful to communicate a contrary idea without directly opposing the other person in words. Lincoln studied intently and had a great memory, which contributed greatly to his ability to contend with others. When a financial crisis hit the nation, Lincoln suggested many ideas which may have helped if implemented. However, though he was ignored, he refused to give up. 

Lincoln was not in favor of handouts. Instead, in certain cases, he would match the money someone needed if they were willing to work. This is a great method, and may be especially helpful for churches for navigating giving financial support both to ministry partners and those in need. Those who are not in an emergency can work full-time, and the church will match or match some of their income, according to their hard work. Lincoln likely would have been in favor of inexpensive education in order that everyone would be able to have a proper education. 

Lincoln believed it was wrong to oppose a leader in the heat of a battle. This is a great quality of a second-chair leader in ministry. Damage control is an important part to play when a leader is taking a team down, but what the under-leaders should not do is openly oppose the head leader. They should stay silent for a time and help however they can, while earnestly trying to change the mind privately of the leader. 

Lincoln likely would have not gone to war with a militarily weak country, and would have opposed any lies to the public. Christian leaders must not pick on smaller opposition parties. They especially must not lie to those who do support them. Destabilizing a nation for financial gain is not a proper Christian response for any country. The United states can not be the military police of the whole world. There may be times of intervention, but the United States can not govern everything. 

Lincoln was awkwardly physically built. Lincoln chose to learn at all times. He was especially interested in science, in evolution, and mathematics. He was also very interested in the telegraph and created his own patent for a boating system. Lincoln was very interested in different topics, and learned constantly. Christians must do the same. They should not only be interested in particular subjects, but seek to learn in all areas, as they should desire to learn more about the whole universe of God, not only particular areas. The freedom to think makes all the difference in human progress. 

Lincoln was a sharp and fair man. Lincoln was very interested in evolution. Lincoln was also a technology geek. The telegraph could be used for wars, and so it was quickly applied to that area. Christians must seek to use new technology to advance the gospel. New discoveries should be used. Lincoln would likely allow all government information ot be made public. 

Slavery was the foundation for much of the American economy at this time. The slaves of the South were worth a lot of money, due to the common slave trade there. For the North, this was only an abstract issue with little interest. This mirrors the current issues of America with world missions. For American Christians, missions is only an abstract issue with little interest. The constant issues of famine, starvation, the sex trade, and around 2/7 of the world without access to the gospel is not taken seriously. The modern darkness of the world must be cared for by American Christians who have the ability to bring light to the rest of the world. 

Lincoln believed all people were created equally, even those of differently colored skin. Christians today must view others the same way. All people are equally in the debt of sin, and all people are in need of the redemption of Christ. Moreover, Christ’s sacrifice is sufficient for all, and there is no differentiation in Him between races. Citizenship was given to all people who were born in the United States. 

A house divided against itself will not stay that way. The house must either fall or unite on one side of the issue. Either the North and South must unite in abolishing the slave trade or in tolerating the slave trade. Newspapers were an important part of the local politics of every city. The 24 hour news cycle is more of a method of business than a method of actual news. News outlets are not going away, and are not the most honest. Christians must deal with news media with discernment. In my opinion, news does not lead to anything good. The Christian should understand the public opinions and understand the times they live in, but should not take the news seriously, especially when listening to a biased political outlet. 

Lincoln believed people should not waste time attempting to find middle ground between right and wrong, but should only seek the right. This is a good position for Christians to have. Christians should not waste their time seeking to find middle ground between good and evil, but should seek to do only good. Right makes might, not the other way around. 

Truth, justice, and mercy, and all of those Christian virtues, must be kept in order to keep the equality of all people. Otherwise, those in power will only look out for themselves. Labor unions have lately been eliminated and make less powerful. Lincoln seemed to support the idea that all employees should be able to go on strike against their employers. Employees should be paid fairly, with equality and fairness for all people. 

Compromise with evil will not advance the power of the good. Many Christians throughout history have abused the Bible to support the slavery of other races. However, the Christian must not abuse the Bible for their own benefit. This should be an obvious application, though it seems many have not agreed with this point, even throughout American history. 

Christians must love others who are different than them. Leadership must include sticking up for the weaker individual and serving them. They should take time to think through an issue before acting rashly, as well.