Continuing from Helping Change to Occur II a previous post, teachings of Neal A. Maxwell:
In the 121st Section of the Doctrine and Covenants we are all given clear instructions in this regard. When we are reproving betimes with sharpness, clearly he who is the reproof-giver has the responsibility to demonstrate an increase in the love shown for him who has been reproved. So many times as leaders we give out criticism without providing even basic reassurances, to say nothing of the need to give added assurances. Those we seek to lead will venture more in testing and developing their strengths and skills, if the climate we provide is one in which our love and trust is clear, and the risks of losing our love is low.
Another quality of Peter’s was his willingness to follow even when he didn’t possess all the faith required. After all, Peter did walk briefly on the water. He risked, failed, and learned openly. He was challenged by dramatic circumstances in the same way that we need to be challenged by the quiet drama of our own circumstances. He was not so anxious about his peer group—the group which gives us each the most real anxiety—that he would not venture. When our relations with our peers are not open and loving, our progress is limited because the blessings of brotherhood cannot be fully felt. It is not good for man to be alone—even in a peer group.
There are certain words that appear in connection with Peter which, without the mellowing influence of the gospel, might have foreshadowed a man who was rigid and unyielding. On several occasions, Peter uses the words “never” and “nevertheless,” which bespoke a kind of certitude about past practices and policies as when he said: “Not so, Lord, for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean.” The slowness with which Peter faced the significant change he was being asked to contemplate and implement in considering the Gentiles as his brethren is, of course, typical of what we all face on our own scale in life when we are asked to face the ordeal of change in connection with new ways of doing things.If one looks to Peter, one also sees in him an individual who is willing to verbalize group feelings at times, not hanging back, but venturing forth in order that he might learn more. One sees in Peter an individual who used his chances to learn, to grow and do follow by faith into great adventures that otherwise he would have never undertaken. He was an individual who listened to an inner voice which was, in the last analysis, his great balance-wheel.
When Jesus queried Peter and others “Will ye also go away?” Peter said: “To whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life.” (St. John 6:67-68.) It is this kind of uncommon, spiritual common sense that permitted him to be a great follower, and therefore a great leader. By being candid and open, Peter maximized his chances to learn by creating a climate in which he was asking, in effect, to be told if he were wrong. And, told by one whose authority he could respect, he learned. ~Neal A. Maxwell, “A More Excellent Way” (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1967), 40-42 (For the first post of this series, click Helping Change to Occur.)
