Rabbi Daniel Lapin shares that the Talmud stated 2000 years ago that the lion is the king of beasts. Though not the largest, smartest or fastest animal, the lion is given royal treatment and serves as an incredible teaching tool when we understand why.
Ancient writings confirm what is known today by science about these majestic creatures, lions are very economical physically. In short, they waste no movement whether in motion or sitting still.
When they run their bodies flow with perfect grace, and when they sit they scan the horizon with intention but without anxiety.
Contrast them to an elephant which is constantly foraging for food and flapping its ears, or to a bird that walks while darting their head to and fro. In comparison to the rest of nature, the lion has complete control over his body.
Lerner shares that this transfers to life lessons in the form of leadership. For instance, rather than slouching or fidgeting, sit with a sense of presence and avoid constant movement. Face people with your whole body when engaged in a conversation. And perhaps most important, don’t associate with petty and devious people.
Choose your movements carefully and purposefully and your friends even more so. Control your thoughts and your reactions and remain in control in spite of other people losing their cool. Begin to act the part of royalty, something scripture claims you are by God’s grace (1 Peter 2:9).
When you choose to be a lion and associate with other lions you will see things from a different perspective, not one of pride but one of a steady confidence that is relaxed and in charge.
I challenge you to go to the Cleveland Zoo or the park over the coming week and observe animals and notice their behaviors in contrast to the lion. You will notice small dogs in your neighborhood that shake and yip and large dogs that growl and stomp the ground and run from one corner of the yard to the next.
You will notice other creatures that always seem to be looking for their next meal while chattering incessantly. And while each of these animals has their own beauty, you will soon see the difference between them and the king of beasts.
And before long you will understand why the wisdom teachers’ simple but powerful advice for millennia is worth considering, always choose the lion for your life.
And lastly, vote here to show Forbes that Cleveland and Canton are full of lions!
Comments
We have a huge Doberman Pinscher that lives directly behind us. He is built like a rotweiler. Must weigh over 150lbs. Anyway, he will often suddenly charge the fence for no reason. The fence seems non-existent when he gets close to it.
I was cleaning the fish tank one day when his owner let him out. The dog charged and I didn't move. The dog just stopped. Every once in a while he would run at the fence and bark. I just ignored him, like a lion. I figured, don't pay attention to him unless he actually comes over the fence. After that he doesn't even notice me. The principle really works and it is interesting.
There are a lot of people just like the pinscher. Ignore them.
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