Quotes from J. Oswald Sanders

One reason why people are unable to understand great Christian classics is that they are trying to understand without any intention of obeying them.

A leader is a person who has learned to obey a discipline imposed from without, and has then taken on a more rigorous discipline from within. Those who rebel against authority and scorn self-discipline -- who shirk the rigors and turn from the sacrifices -- do not qualify to lead.

When all the facts are in, swift and clear decision is another mark of a true leader. A visionary may see, but a leader must decide. An impulsive person may be quick to declare a preference; but a leader must weigh evidence and make his decision on sound premises.

James and John wanted the glory, but not the cup of shame; the crown, but not the cross; the role of master, but not servant.

True leaders know that time spent listening is well invested.

A natural leader by any measure, Paul became a great spiritual leader when his heart and mind were captured by Jesus Christ.

No leader lives a day without criticism, and humility will never be more on trial than when criticism comes.

The Apostle] Paul's prayer for the Christians at Colosse should always be on our lips: That God fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding (Colossians 1:9).

The person who is impatient with weakness will be ineffective in his leadership. The evidence of our strength lies not in the distance that separates us from other runners but in our closure with them, our slower pace for their sakes, our helping them pick it up and cross the line.

True greatness, true leadership, is achieved not by reducing men to one's service but in giving oneself in selfless service to them.

The frontiers of the kingdom of God were never advanced by men and women of caution.

A great deal more failure is the result of an excess of caution than of bold experimentation with new ideas. The frontiers of the Kingdom of God were never advanced by men and women of caution.