CONCLUSION

The preceding chapters have attempted to provide the key ideas associated with leadership. But are those ideas and concepts entirely and exclusively descriptive of statesmanship?

In seeking to answer this question, a couple of ideas shouldbe considered:

 An effective statesman must lead well. That much we know. A person who is driven by greed, myopia, and power will not take a stand for truth and principles in difficult times, nor will he or she care for followers.

 An effective statesman must think systematically and holistically. Just like a leader must understand that his or her actions should impact not just interpersonal relationships with followers but also organizational structure, processes, and culture, a statesman should be thinking of the big-picture impacts of current events, worldviewideas, national and institutional (political) norms, etc. Having good ideas or pure convictions, in other words, are not enough. In this course wewill studystatesman who not only demonstrated integrity and courage, but also a keen understanding of the political process and how to get things done.

 An effective statesman must live for eternity. It takes a lot of work living this life, even if we arenotin a life and death struggle with the Nazis, Stalinists, or slaveholders! To do well in the fight, we have to remember that despite the many obstacles and setbacks we will face in life, that we are not home yet and that in the end, God is sovereign. This conviction allows us to do our duty and not get discouraged when things donotgo our way (and they will not). In turn, we can model the joy of the Lord and truly love our enemies instead of hating them.

In short, to lead well, is to live well, and a statesman must do both if he is to succeed at his task. Consider these leadership concepts and principles as you progress through thecourse and evaluate the examples of statesmanship provided.

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