FOLLOW THE LEADERengaging these young pastors in the problem-solving process, they too
were being mentored on how to effectively problem-solve. Paul’s focus on
problems was not that he was a negative, pessimistic, problem-oriented
person. It was just that he was a realist who understood that problems in
life are unavoidable – especially since we live in a rebellious fallen world.
However, his emphasis was always positive – even when dealing with
problems. While Paul never ignored problems, he always spent more time
“watering the spiritual flowers” in the church, than he did in “pulling
out the weeds of carnality.” He was constantly praising and affirming
people in the Lord. He always assured them of his constant prayers in
their behalf. He chose to believe the best about them and called forth
the best within them. So, through his personal presence, through letters,
or through emissaries, he was constantly feeding them healthy doses
of God’s love, mercy and grace – coupled with his own affirmation and
praise.
Even though Paul was a very positive person by nature, he was also
acutely aware of the fact that the Christian calling is active engagement
in lifelong spiritual warfare. Satan, as the supreme enemy of the church,
was constantly “...sowing weeds among the wheat” (Matt. 13:25).
When noxious weeds were present – whether through the flesh or
through Satan – Paul did not ignore them. He knew that spiritual and
relational weeds would quickly spread throughout the entire church if they
were ignored. Paul clearly understood that through spiritual immaturity,
carnality or Satanic deception, the wheat would be choked out “...making
it unfruitful” (Matt. 13:22). As a Jew, he well knew the principle that
God had taught His people through Moses: “Make sure there is no root
among you that produces such bitter poison” (Deut. 29:18). Paul was
especially sensitive to the kinds of problems that compromised the Word...
defiled the spirit...broke relationships...and spoiled the witness of the Church.
His Apostolic leadership reflected the truth of Hebrews 12:15: “See to it
that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to
cause trouble and defi le many.” When problems did come, Paul became
spiritually proactive. He exercised leadership authority. He rolled up his
sleeves and quickly set about to root out the “weedy problem” or prune
the “thorny issue” – carefully using the sharp edge of the Word of God
through the power of the Spirit. Paul understood the leadership principle
that says: Your greatest defense is a strong offense. Like a wise gardener,
Paul regularly fertilized the church soil with the truth and light of God’s