Just as it takes the fire to burn the dross from the ore, so
does it take the spirit of sacrifice in our lives to bring out the best within us.
Trials, labor, grief, are but the fires
in our lives which are necessary to purify and bring out our virtues.
In business, sacrifices are demanded of us as well as labor,
trials and economics. All these straighten our judgment, make for
administrative qualities and cultivate resourcefulness
Is there any sacrifice worth-while? Yes, because of the
compensation, not compensation of dollars and cents, or in name and glory, for
the compensation to self.
Sacrifice establishes character. It makes for purity of
motives, honor, dependability, power for service and unselfishness. It takes
the fire of sacrifice to clarify a man’s mind and heart so that he can
establish the worthier ideals for himself. A man who desires anything must be
willing to go the whole way for it, not halfway. No man gains anything in the
way of power and privileges who does not pay with a change in habits, thought
and action.
“Lines of a Layman” by J.C. Penny, c.1956, Channel Press,
Great Neck, NY, page 118
