I have a public relations degree.
This means that I like to explain everything in the most likable, politically correct, and positive manner possible.
John the Baptist did not do that.
In his leadership, he actually referred to his group as "A brood of vipers" (A bunch of snakes)
I would guess this was a very offensive term at the time...
especially since he follows insult up with more insult by stating this:
"Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire."
(Your lives are going nowhere good. You brag about being decedents of Abraham, but you are doing nothing with your lives. God is ready to cut you out of his family if you do not turn around...like yesterday)
John the Baptist was so painfully direct, not because he liked ticking people off, but because it was necessary. His followers did not have a lot of time, and they were at risk for missing out on the rest of eternity. So, John laid the facts out as they were.
In leadership, there is a time for putting things nicely and there is a time for direct honesty. There is a time for issuing a warning, or a concern in a manner that is not going to be easy to hear. Even when a leader needs a gentle touch, it is important to remember John's honesty. It is wrong to sugar coat a warning that could save someone's life.
A leader must be direct rather than timid.
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