Initiative: President's Day

Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.  Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. Romans 13:1-2

Presidents’ Day! What a fitting day to celebrate God-appointed births of George Washington, February 22, 1732 and Abraham Lincoln, February 12, 1809. Initially recognized only as Washington’s birthday, because of the proximity of their birth dates, both dates are celebrated as Presidents’ Day.

With obvious commonalities, they both agreed that government laws are needed to keep our moral compass in check. Washington, a great military leader, and Lincoln, author of the Emancipation Proclamation, had profound effects in society, emphasizing morality and American freedom for all men.

Fast forward…lawlessness has run amok. Just as God created the 10 Commandments thousands of years ago as our tutor, today, our government has proposed enactment of new laws in an effort to curb gun violence.

Exemplifying the way to govern by looking out for the interests of others, both of these great Presidents fought for what was best for our society. Their mercy and love of humanity showed in their actions, as they unselfishly put themselves in harms way for the benefit of our country.

As principled men, both believed that we are free to pursue happiness but with limitations by pursing the good and avoiding the bad. Laws discourage certain types of actions, such as criminal behavior or failing to care for one’s children, as Washington advocated. As PBS explained about Washington’s stance, knowing right from wrong requires education, i.e., parents educating children about morality.

Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

Children…so precious, so innocent. Born knowing nothing but what they learn from us. Even the Bible says, “Then Jesus called a little child to Him in the midst of them…Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.  Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.  Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.” Matthew 18:2-5.

Believing she was birthed into a nation of “we the people” unity, justice, freedom, safety and protection under the U.S. Constitution, adult reality explodes with divisions, uncompromising bipartisanship, accusatory backbiting, ongoing gun violence and now threats of looming sequester cuts that could cripple our nation. Despite it all, Congress adjourned for a week-long recess.    

What led us astray? How do we explain to our children the wayward behavior of our elected officials today, yet simultaneously teach them to obey authority?

Besides, this is Presidents’ Day!

Instead of examining ourselves, perhaps we are distracted and blinded by the retail ad sales clutter to commemorate Presidents’ Day sales on this federal holiday. Or, are we distracted by political skirmishes confusing the real meaning of Presidents’ Day? 

Whether you believe or not, God has the ultimate authority and control over our last breath.

Pastor G.G. Womack warned about examples of God’s wrath throughout the Bible for disobedience to His word, including famines, earthquakes and signs in the sky. God will not be mocked. Regardless of what you do, you will be held accountable.

“The government must abide by ‘the eternal rules of order and right, which Heaven itself has ordained.'" - George Washington

God bless America.