As George Washington stepped off the field of battle he left not only an enduring legacy of fortitude, but a greater leadership question that remains largely unanswered even to this very day.
Prior to assuming the role as Commander and Chief of the newly formed and fledging Continental Army, Washington was a farmer. Previously, he had acquired a significant resume of military experience during the French and Indian War, but his life was largely shaped by stewarding the land he so dearly loved. It’s no surprise then that during his years commanding America’s first military, he stayed close to the myriad duties, plans, designs, construction projects, and tree and crop planting schedules of his palatial estate affectionally known as Mt. Vernon. One story sheds light into this reality:
“By the summer of 1776, Manhattan had been transformed into an armed camp. New York was “in commotion” on observer said, as the frightened inhabitants of Manhattan fled. Then, as the British troops were preparing their ferocious onslaught, Washington brushed aside his generals and his military maps, sat in the flicker of candlelight with his quill and wrote a long letter to his estate manager and cousin, Lund Washington…As the city braced itself, Washington pondered the voluptuous blossom of the rhododendron, the sculptural flowers of mountain laurel and the perfect pink crab apple. These ‘clever kinds of Trees (especially the flowering ones),’ he instructed, should be planted in two groves by either side of his house” (Founding Gardeners, Andrea Wulf, 13-14).
To be sure, Washington was an ambitious man, but he was not a power-grabbing goon. Rather, he was a man who exhibited inexorable self-control and was a walking example of precision and order that stretched from his daily routine to his choice of clothing. While he wasn’t formally educated, he was a quick study and learned everything he needed that would ultimately and strategically advance his life aspirations.
All the while, the Colonies of America, in 1776, needed a leader to forge their diverse interests, and harness their passionate cries of liberty that were rising higher and higher into the clouds of what would be a bloody revolution. Really, what these thirteen Colonies needed was a man who could lead them with his head, with his heart, and with his hands.
It’s now safe to say that, 244 years after America declared its independence from Great Britain, America’s first Commander and Chief did in fact lead with his head, with his heart, and with his hands. He knew what needed to be done to defeat England, he had a passion for the cause of liberty, and his experience led to military strategies that (i) unified a bedraggled military comprised of militia-men and (ii) ultimately toppled the most powerful military of that time.
So…
Why didn’t he–after his great victory over England–assume the power that would have been his for the taking?
Why didn’t George Washington become King George I?
This question–though still fully unanswered in history–can nevertheless be generally answered and applied to everyday life.
George Washington didn’t accept his position as Commander and Chief through a vain and malicious seizing of power, but only after much convincing. In fact, he would later write, “I did not solicit the command, but accepted it after much entreaty” (Washington, Ron Chernow, p. 186). Often, Washington felt inadequate for the responsibilities, but he didn’t waiver in his mission. His leadership was needed at a time in America’s history, and he assumed the role of Commander for as long as it was necessary…and no more.
George Washington was a humble and confident man who did not seek power, but employed head-heart-hand leadership when it was needed. He didn’t seek a position, but rather assumed it only as long as it was fitting for the moment. Then, after the mission (and first presidency) was accomplished, he went back to live his farming life.
How can we apply this to our lives today?
- Don’t elevate yourself.
- In other words, don’t jockey for position. Let your reputation precede you.
- Proverbs 25:7 “For it is better that it be said to you, “Come up here,” Than for you to be placed lower in the presence of the prince, Whom your eyes have seen.”
- Don’t peak too soon.
- In other words, don’t let youthful ambition blind you from what could be greater opportunities. If you have ever run track, you know what I’m talking about. Don’t hit the gates sprinting. Let positions, relationships, opportunities have time to marinate.
- Galatians 6:9 “Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.“
- Waiting time is not wasting time.
- Be faithful in the present with what you possess.
- Ephesians 5:15-16 “Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil.”
- Remember, we are all very replaceable.
- God uses broken vessels to accomplish His mission. Remember, his first disciples were largely formally uneducated common folk.
- Matthew 4:18-20 “Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee. He saw two brothers. They were Simon (his other name was Peter) and Andrew, his brother. They were putting a net into the sea for they were fishermen. Jesus said to them, “Follow Me. I will make you fish for men!” At once they left their nets and followed Him.”
Learn. Feel. Do. Lead with your head, your heart, and your hands–right were you are, for as long as you are able, and as long as it is necessary…and no more.
— February 7, 2020