16. Carry your cross to receive your crown.

Nothing worth accomplishing comes without great cost and sacrifice.  Many people will try to demonstrate that this principle does not apply.  Avoid them at all costs.  There is no exception to this truth – no cross, no crown.  Anyone who tries to convince you of otherwise is either lying to themselves, attempting to fool God, or more likely, both.

17. Follow the path.  

Trust where God is taking you.  How much you surrender will determine your power and influence.  This is a paradox that you will find constantly challenging you.  When the path is difficult, you will want to quit.  The benefits of struggling to remain on this path are oftentimes not apparent until much later, but it is worth it.  The most useful instruments, whether they be for war, peace, or any other purpose, are the hardest to forge and can take a long time to do so.

18. Remember where you are from, but never let it get in the way of where you are going. 

Greatness can come from humble beginnings, but great people do not forget where they come from.  Ignoring this principle leads to pride, arrogance, and ultimately failure.  Conversely, no matter the number or depth of your mistakes, your life will never be unredeemable or unchangeable.  

19. Pursue greatness.

I defer here to the insight of John Steinbeck:

“It’s because I haven’t courage,’ said Samuel. ‘I could never quite take the responsibility. When the Lord God did not call my name, I might have called his name – but I did not. There you have the difference between greatness and mediocrity. It’s not an uncommon disease. But it’s nice for a mediocre man to know that greatness must be the loneliest state in the world.’

‘I’d think there are degrees of greatness,’ Adam said.

‘I don’t think so,’ said Samuel. ‘That would be like saying there is a little bigness. No. I believe when you come to that responsibility the hugeness and you are alone to make your choice. On one side you have warmth and companionship and sweet understanding, and on the other – cold, lonely greatness. There you make your choice. I’m glad I chose mediocrity, but how am I to say what reward might have come with the other? None of my children will be great either, except perhaps Tom. He’s suffering over the choosing right now. It’s a painful thing to watch. And somewhere in me I want him to say yes. Isn’t that strange? A father to want his son condemned to greatness! What selfishness that must be.”

20. Do not let fear control you.

Fear is the worst enemy you will face.  Always run toward your fears, not away from them.  You will then find out that they only look formidable on the surface.