John Quincy Adams was born on July 11, 1767, and so the coloring page I’m sharing today is in his honor. It features a quote of his I really like:
“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.” – John Quincy Adams
The interesting thing is that this kind of leadership may or may not be accompanied by a title. I’ve known lots of people in positions of authority who haven’t the slightest understanding of the qualities John Quincy Adams describes in this quote. Instead, they attempt to lead with an iron first, through coercion and manipulation, thinking only of themselves, never pausing to consider how their decisions might affect those around them.
But I’ve also known individuals who garner the respect and admiration of everyone they meet, despite having no official title, no corner office, no hefty salary. Yet they are men and women of integrity, and they teach and encourage and inspire every time they open their mouths. People are interested in what such “leaders” have to say: They seek their counsel, value their opinion, emulate their actions.
If you can have such influence and a title, great. But if you only get to pick one, choose to develop the character qualities of a good leader. John Quincy Adam’s advice for those who wish to be leaders echoes the words of Jesus:
“You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else.” (Mark 10:42-44)
Serving others. Helping others. Teaching and inspiring them. Putting their needs ahead of your own. These are the mark of a true leader. That’s the level of influence we all should strive to attain.
More American Heritage Printables
Want more fun printables for folks who love America and long for it to be great again? You can download all you want through the links below:
- American Heritage Printables – browse through all of our past patriotic posts
- Fourth of July Coloring Pages – download a wide selection of pages celebrating American independence
- President’s Day Printables – a collection of coloring pages that feature quotes from even more of our past commanders-in-chief
Or maybe you’d prefer a bound volume. If so, check out my devotional journals. The one in the center of the lineup below, God Bless America, was made just for patriotic citizens like you.
Packed with inspiring thoughts from our founding fathers and other great Americans, this journal will inspire you to think deeply about what it means to be a citizen of this great country. What is our responsibility to the rest of the world? How do we ensure the guiding principles on which our nation was established are never forgotten? Consider how you feel about these matters and use the space provided to write down your thoughts.
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