The Man at the Top by J. S. ROUSE

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 20, 1916

The Man at the Top

By J. S. ROUSE

J. S. ROUSE

Every young man who possesses health of body and of mind, has ambitions to be at the top, or at least to succeed.

What is meant by being “at the top”? Is it to be president of a great financial corporation, railroad, or bank, governor of a great commonwealth, or president of the United States? We see men in these positions, and their places are coveted by many.

We have often heard it said, “There is room at the top.” This cannot apply to such positions as have been mentioned, because not all men can be president of the United States or of a bank.

But from the Lord’s viewpoint, all can be truly great. Many men who have reached the top in this life are not happy. They are deprived of many pleasures, such as being with their families, and do not have the opportunities for recreation and rest enjoyed by those who are not looked upon as great men. The man at the top has many burdens, difficulties, and perplexities from which he would like to be released.

The greatest Man who ever lived on earth was not looked upon by the world as a great man. He was not among the kings, presidents, bankers, or great financiers, but he did more for the upbuilding and salvation of humanity than has been done by all the world’s great men who ever lived. This great Man was of humble birth; his trade was of a humble nature. He was not found riding in kings’ chariots or walking in easy, grassy paths; but on the dusty roads of Judea, full of stones and obstacles. The man whom Jesus counts great is the man with the shovel, who first digs down to the solid rock and then begins to build. It is just as honorable to dig as it is to build.