General Eisenhower: “In order to be a leader, a man must have followers. And to have followers, a man must have their confidence. Hence, the supreme quality for a leader is unquestionable integrity.”
America, in its rich past, has been blessed with leaders with unquestionable integrity. These leaders have placed their responsibilities for service above their rights for self. In doing so, they have followed the model of Jesus.
George Washington was a beloved leader, both as a General and as a President. In both roles, he voluntarily gave up his positions for the long term good of the nation. Sensing that his military mission was complete and fearing that retaining his commission would cause him to elevate to a position of a general-king, Washington resigned his commission. Similarly after two terms as President, Washington stepped out of public life, again sensing that he had served his role and fearing that remaining in his position would set a dangerous precedent for the nation. In both cases, Washington sacrificed his personal power for public progress.
General George Marshall served honorably and loyally as the Army Chief of Staff during World War II. While he would have much preferred a field command instead, he recognized that he was badly needed and uniquely qualified for this less glamorous role. Historians have suspected that had he asked President Roosevelt to be placed into the Supreme Allied Commander in Europe position, Roosevelt would have honored that request. Instead, General Marshall sacrificially selected General Eisenhower for this position and masterfully supported him from the home front.
Marshall and Washington number among those American leaders who followed Christ-like leadership principles. PLEASE PRAY THAT AMERICAN LEADERS WOULD ONCE AGAIN SACRIFICIALLY SERVE WITH UNQUESTIONABLE INTEGRITY. There is no question that this is the type of leadership our nation needs.