20 Oswald Sanders Quotes from His Book Spiritual Leadership

Oswald Sanders quotes get shared with abundance. He is known for his book Spiritual Leadership. Countless seminaries, pastors, and other Christian leaders have used Oswald Sanders quotes and his book for years. Maybe you haven’t read it or it has been a while since you last read it. We invite you to read a few of the best Oswald Sanders quotes from the book Spiritual Leadership.

20 Oswald Sanders Quotes from His Book Spiritual Leadership

“If a man is known by the company he keeps, so also his character is reflected in the books he reads.”

“The person who sees the difficulties so clearly that he does not discern the possibilities cannot inspire a vision in others.”

“Often the crowd does not recognize a leader until he has gone, and then they build a monument for him with the stones they threw at him in life.”

“If a Christian is not willing to rise early and work late, to expend greater effort in diligent study and faithful work, that person will not change a generation. Fatigue is the price of leadership. Mediocrity is the result of never getting tired.”

“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.”

“Leaders who want to show sensitivity should listen often and long and talk short and seldom. Many so-called leaders are too busy to listen. True leaders know that time spent listening is well invested.”

“God prepares leaders with a specific place and task in mind. Training methods are adapted to the mission, and natural and spiritual gifts are given with clear purpose.”

“If those who hold influence over others fail to lead toward the spiritual uplands, then surely the path to the lowlands will be well worn.”

“Vision involves optimism and hope. The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty. The pessimist tends to hold back people of vision from pushing ahead.”

“People of vision gauge decisions on the future; the story of the past cannot be rewritten.”

“We can lead others only as far along the road as we ourselves have traveled. merely pointing the way is not enough. If we are not walking, then no one can be following, and ware not leading anyone.”

“Our problem is not too little time, but making better use of the time we have. Each of us has as much time as anyone else.”

“We are not responsible for our endowments or natural abilities, but we are responsible for the strategic use of time.”

“The spiritual leader will choose the hidden path of sacrificial service and approval of the Lord over the flamboyant self-advertising of the world.”

“The spiritual leader should outpace the rest of the church, above all, in prayer.”

“Pride takes many forms, but spiritual pride is the most grievous. To become proud of spiritual gifts or leadership position is to forget that all we have is from God, all the position we occupy is God’s appointment.”

“Will the leader reflect the ugliness of egotism or the transfigured glory of Christ the Lord?”

“True greatness, true leadership, is found in giving yourself in service to others, not in coaxing or inducing others to serve you.  True service is never without cost.”

“The final estimate of men shows that history cares not an iota for the rank or title a man has borne, or the office he has held, but only the quality of his deeds and the character of his mind and heart.”

If you would like to read more of what Oswald Sanders has to say, take a second to share this post on Facebook and Twitter. You will be entered into a drawing to receive a free copy of Oswald Sanders’ book Spiritual Leadership: A Commitment to Excellence for Every Believer (Commitment To Spiritual Growth).

But even if you don’t win the free copy, you will have influenced your friends, family, and colleagues. They may take a look at some Oswald Sanders quotes and his writing. All too often we share all sorts of things via email or on social media that do not build others up. Today is your chance to encourage and inspire others in their walk with God. Point them to a resource that will encourage them with a few Oswald Sanders quotes and thoughts. Hopefully they will be impacted to grow as “spiritual leaders.”