Publisher’s Note: Today’s “Greenelines” is part 3 of a five-part series on Republican presidents noted for their leadership skills. The order of presentation does not reflect a ranking. Read part 1 and part 2.
Following the assassination of President McKinley in September of 1901, Theodore Roosevelt was elected the 26th president of the United States. He served from 1901 to 1909.
Scholars and historians mostly agree that he was one of the greatest U.S. presidents in American history. He was good enough, at least, to have his likeness carved into stone on Mount Rushmore.
The leadership quality for which he is most noted is his high energy and demand for action. He battled various illnesses by out-running anything that tried to slow him down. He probably was the most adventuresome president to ever serve.
“Whatever I think is right for me to do, I do. I do the things that ought to be done. And when I make up my mind to do a thing, I act.”
He viewed inaction as his greatest threat. He didn’t want to play defense or make a decision based on the response of others. He seemed to always choose the risk of action.
He led the country into the Progressive Era and was probably best known for his “Square Deal.” Due to his outdoor, “rough rider” lifestyle, he made conservation a top priority of his administration. He established many national parks and forests.
I’ll share one other Roosevelt quote, perhaps revealing my own bias:
“As soon as any man has ceased to be able to learn, his usefulness as a teacher is at an end. When he himself can’t learn, he has reached the stage where other people can’t learn from him.”
Roosevelt often referred to some as the “educated ineffectives.”
Education is a stimulant for action. Roosevelt modeled the life of an effective leader through learning followed by action.
As we study the life of Jesus, don’t we see a man of action? The Holy Spirit calls leaders to come and get busy.
Today’s Scripture
“Be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (James 1:22).
Platform Tip No. 54
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We connect people to solutions for their felt needs with stories about people who have won victories.
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Do this for a long time.
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