Against the persecution of a tyrant the godly have no remedy but prayer.
John CalvinRead
The pastor ought to have two voices: one, for gathering the sheep; and another, for warding off and driving away wolves and thieves. The Scripture supplies him with the means of doing both.
Interpretation
What this quote means
A leader must possess two distinct approaches: one to attract and support followers, and another to defend against adversaries.
In this quote, John Calvin emphasizes the dual responsibility of a leader, particularly a pastor, to nurture and guide their community while also protecting them from threats. This reflects the complex nature of leadership, where the ability to inspire and defend are equally crucial for maintaining the integrity and safety of the group.
Themes
LeadershipGuidanceProtectionCommunityResponsibility
In practice
Example use cases
In a sermon about leadership qualities within the church.
More from John Calvin
All quotes →Man is never sufficiently touched and affected by the awareness of his lowly state until he has compared himself with God's majesty.
John CalvinRead
Whomever the Lord has adopted and deemed worthy of His fellowship ought to prepare themselves for a hard, toilsome, and unquiet life, crammed with very many and various kinds of evil.
John CalvinRead
For as the aged, or those whose sight is defective, when any book, however fair, is set before them, though they perceive that there is something written, are scarcely able to make out two consecutive words, but, when aided by glasses, begin to read distinctly, so Scripture, gathering together the impressions of Deity, which, till then, lay confused in our minds, dissipates the darkness, and shows us the true God clearly.
John CalvinRead
When God wants to judge a nation, He gives them wicked rulers.
John CalvinRead
Wherever we see the Word of God purely preached and heard, there a church of God exists, even if it swarms with many faults.
John CalvinRead
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