THEOSISNilus of Sinai
When individuals find it effortless to issue commands verbally, even if those commands are challenging to execute, while neglecting to model their teachings through action, they reveal their intentions clearly. This form of leadership arises not from a genuine desire to uplift others, but from a self-serving motive. If they are willing to learn, they should take a lesson from Abimelech and Gideon, who demonstrate that actions, rather than words, inspire those they lead to follow their example. Abimelech took a branch of wood, carried it, and proclaimed: ‘* (cf. Judg.
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9:48); while Gideon, setting the standard for collaborative effort, declared, ‘Look at me and follow my lead.’ The Apostle reinforces this sentiment when he states: ‘You yourselves know that these hands of mine have provided for my own needs and the needs of those who were with me’ (Acts 20:34). Furthermore, the Saviour exemplifies this principle by performing acts before teaching, leading us to recognize that learning through actions holds greater persuasive power than instruction through words alone. St. Neil highlights the significance of leading by example, without delving into the morally questionable actions of Abimelech.