LEADERS ARE PERSISTENTThe spirit of the welfare state does not produce leaders. If a
Christian is not willing to rise early and work late, to expend
greater effort in diligent study and faithful work, that person will
not change a generation. Fatigue is the price of leadership. Mediocrity
is the result of never getting tired.^1“Fatigue is the price of leadership.”
(Oswald Sanders)One of the reasons more people do not rise to the challenges of leadership
is that they want to live in a “welfare state.” They are not willing to put
forth all of the added effort that is necessary to succeed at something great.
They do not want to sweat. They do not want to move out of their comfort
zone into the unknown – or into the danger zone. They want someone else
to take all of the risks. They prefer the security of the barracks to the
heat of the frontlines. They do not want to experience “battle fatigue.”
They want someone else to do all of the work and fighting for them.
Leaders understand that there are no “free tickets...free lunches....free
rides...free successes. ”They understand the difference between welfare
and workfare. They are willing to “pay their own way” rather than look to
others to “pick up the tab.” Leaders that last soon learn to quit looking
for the “quick fix” or “easy way out.” When things get tough – they get
tougher! When they “hit the wall”, they dig deep inside themselves for
those inner reserves that bring forth that “second wind” so they can go
the distance.
Early on in their lives, leaders that last square-off with the giant of
failure. Not only do leaders have to learn to deal with fatigue – they also
have to learn to deal with failure. By meeting this menacing giant head-
on – face-to-face – they learn to cut him down to size. Gradually they
learn by experience not to be intimidated by his threats of destruction.
Maturing leaders soon learn that one of their greatest preparations for
life in general, and leadership in particular, is learning to successfully deal
with failure. It has been said that the major difference between average
people and achieving people is their response to failure. One of the greatest
freedoms a Christian leader has is the freedom to fail. He understands
that his relationship with God, as well as his value as a person, is not
based upon achievements or success. Because he knows that he is loved