"What is this?" I asked curiously. The grayish material soaked up the waste from the caged animal while letting out a distinctive odor. "Yesterday's newspaper!" The sales clerk turned the bag, read out the label and added philosophically, "Amazing recycling! Trash one day, treasure the next!"

Turning a throw-away into a useful thing requires determination and dedicated effort. There is a great need in "human recycling" too, especially for those who have failed in ministry. Christians are particularly kind in giving those who fail another chance. When apostle Paul assessed his associates, there were "losers," "winners," and "recycled losers":

For Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and he has departed to Thessalonica. Crescens went to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Take Mark and bring him with you, for he is profitable to me for the ministry. (2 Timothy 4:10 -11 NKJV)

The mark of a good leader is the ability to recycle
As a coworker, Demas was a true disappointment. However, the mentioning of John Mark was a true surprise. Paul had given him up previously because of his lack of courage and dedication. Yes, even the great apostle saw no ministry potential in him. But, Barnabas, and later Peter, kept mentoring him. Years later, Paul changed his mind and praised John Mark as one who is profitable to his work.

Don't be too quick in giving up on a young believer. The mark of a good leader is the ability to recycle a failed associate.