“Don’t worry about this Philistine,” David told Saul. “I’ll go fight him!”

A few months ago, this short obituary in the New York Times caught my eye:

“HARRIS -Joe, best known as the creator of The Underdog cartoon and the Trix rabbit, died on Sunday, March 26th, at the age of 89. He is survived by his daughters: Sophie, Merrie and Joelle, who will miss him dearly.”

I was struck by the few lines because The Underdog, when I was growing up, represented one who persevered against all odds and succeeded by doing the right thing, even at his own peril and sacrifice.  We love the “underdog” and we cheer for their success.  Yet, at the same time, we do all we can to portray our companies and selves as the winner, not the one with the greatest humility and desire to serve others first.  Malcolm Gladwell, the author, has chronicled the underdogs of time in his writings, including the account of David and Goliath. David the boy, who knew not fear and was willing to take on the giant for his people.  Maybe we should be asking ourselves, is our culture more of the giant or an underdog company?  Giants don’t just die, they get slayed.  Underdogs, well, thank you Joe Harris, they get remembered.

If we are working to be a part of God’s purpose, He isn’t looking for the prideful and powerful giant to represent His kingdom.  He is looking for the humility, courage and service orientation of the underdog who expects nothing more than what it is that they give others.  Which are we trying to be today in our work and lives?

Reference:  1 Samuel 17:32 (New Living Translation)