To the many new members of the Church who may be called to serve as leaders at different times in various callings, Elder Spencer J. Condie offered some scriptural lessons on leadership.
Elder Condie of the Seventy spoke Saturday afternoon of Moses and Nephi, two prophets who beheld visions from mountain tops. From them, observed Elder Condie, "we learn that a leader must have a vision of the work which lies ahead."He spoke of the system of judges in ancient Israel, who were then succeeded by a series of kings. One was Saul, who became lifted up in pride and disregarded the counsel of the Lord's prophet. Another was David, who was "tempted to commit a very grievous sin, which he then compounded with an even greater sin."
From such stories, Elder Condie said, "we learn that even kings must be careful. Leadership positions do not totally protect us from temptation."
Elder Condie spoke of Solomon, who, in his early days as king, asked for a wise and an understanding heart. Armed with the Spirit of the Lord, Solomon became God's instrument in building a holy temple. But later, he took wives outside Israel, and they turned his heart from the Lord. "From Solomon we learn that knowledge and wisdom alone do not qualify people to lead," said Elder Condie.
When Rehoboam, Solomon's son, became king, the elders counseled him that if he would be a servant unto his people, he must serve them, answer them and speak good words to them, and then they would be his servants. "Within the kingdom of God, to lead is to serve," Elder Condie affirmed.
He spoke of other leaders, including the Nephite King Benjamin who demonstrated that leaders can make a difference. "Faith in the Lord and high expectations can bring about a mighty change of heart among an entire people," noted Elder Condie.
He then spoke of President Ezra Taft Benson, noting that he, like Ezra of the Old Testament, "has prepared himself to receive the word of the Lord and is prepared to do the Lord's will."
From Joseph Smith, who had ability to develop leadership skills in those around him, it is learned that leaders "are obligated to prepare others to take their place at some future time."
"From the most exemplary life of all . . . Jesus Christ, we learn perhaps the most important lesson of all. As the Savior was in the depths of suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane, He prayed that the bitter cup might pass from Him, adding in meekness and lowliness of heart: ` . . . nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.' A leader in the Lord's kingdom must be meek and lowly of heart."
