The leader is assailed because he is a leader, and the effort to equal him is merely added proof of that leadership. Failing to equal or to excel, the follower seeks to depreciate and to destroy---but only confirms once more the superiority of that which he strives to supplant. There is nothing new in this. It is as old as the world and as old as the human passions---envy, fear, greed, ambition, and the desire to surpass. And it all avails nothing. If the leader truly leads, he remains---the leader. Master-poet, master-painter, master-workman, each in his turn is assailed, and each holds his laurels through the ages. That which is good or great makes itself known, no matter how loud the clamor of denial. That which deserves to live---lives. I am aware that all sorts and sizes of people will read this piece. A few of you are little, hard as it may be to face it. But Im convinced that many more of you are big, which, being translated, means visionary, courageous, bold, secure, productive, unafraid of hard work, and unintimidated by the odds. Good for you! Press on. Grow even bigger. Stand tall. Run hard as you set a new pace. Refuse to reduce your stride. Embrace quality and excellence and determination. Without fudging one inch on integrity and humility, push on . . . lead on. Ignore the little world of onlookers who are too petty to produce, too suspicious to affirm, too envious to acknowledge greatness. Go hard after your goal, get on with it! Isnt that the essence of Pauls charge to the Corinthians? My dear, dear friends, stand your ground. And dont hold back. Throw yourselves into the work of the Master, confident that nothing you do for him is a waste of time or effort. (1 Corinthians 15:58 MSG) Its certainly what the apostle had in mind when he challenged young Timothy to take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all. Pay close attention to yourself . . . persevere (1 Timothy 4:15-16). Regardless of your stature, in spite of your current circumstances, age, status, occupation, location, limitations, or background, aim high . . . way up there where the ranks are as thin as the air. And the next time youre tempted to listen to those who would penalize you, remember that little company in Detroit, determined to succeed over eight decades ago. Oops, not little, small. Come to think of it, Ive never heard anyone call the Cadillac Motor Car Company little.
Posted on: Thu, 07 Aug 2014 04:34:38 +0000
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