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“For those who shepherd a church there is another matter of considerable importance. It has to do with distinguishing between truth and error. Church leaders must on no account compromise with error; and not even by a hairs breadth must they tolerate deviation from the truth. Truth must be dealt with positively; that which is contrary to truth must be firmly rejected. In pursuing this policy we must have no fear of misunderstanding, opposition, attack or persecution. When church leaders become so concerned about feelings and ‘face’, or so afraid of giving offence, or so fearful of being misunderstood and opposed, or so apprehensive of persecution and danger that they compromise in matters of truth or even deviate from the truth, they will surely lose their authority and power. The church also will begin to deteriorate. God’s workmen must be steadfast and courageous. If you would be a faithful servant you must entirely disregard reputation, and in the last analysis you must entirely disregard life.
Excessive fear means surrender to sin or compromise with Satan. Leaders in the church must not only be devout, they must also be courageous. Leaders in the church are like leaders in the army. If the leaders in the army are timid, if they flee when approaching the battle-line, or if they lay down their arms before the enemy, then the whole army will forfeit victory. My own natural disposition is to be cowardly, but when God gives me His Word His power overshadows me. Praise be to His Name!~Wong Ming-Dao from A Stone Made Smooth.