We hear the term "values" often and it doesn't mean much. Unfortunately, it is a trite word today. The father of our country, George Washington,took values dead serious. The truest test of a person is how they hold up under pressure. George Washington’s values, or what were referred to as mottos, were "For God and my Country" and "Deeds, not Words."
For God and My Country
There has been a shameful debate by some as to whether or not George Washington believed in God. True, objective, sincere American History scholars are baffled by the debate. Of course he believed in God. He prayed to God. He pled with God. He also loved the country and what it stood for. He looked to the future with faith.
(For more information on Washington and his faith see http://www.christiananswers.net/q-wall/wal-g011.html)
Deeds, Not Words
It wasn't just words that demonstrated Washington's love of God and Country, it was his deeds. Do we really understand and appreciate what George Washington went through? Do we know and appreciate what the soldiers in the American Revolution went through? The process was torturous. George didn't believe he was qualified to lead the Continental Army against the most powerful military in the world. He wasn’t a genius. The troops were sick and ill prepared. Equipment and supplies were less than minimal. The American Revolution on the surface was nothing more than suicide. And, defeat was too commonplace for Washington and his troops.
Indeed it was George Washington’s values that gave him and others strength.
Here is an extremely important point I would like to make. Washington's values became his noble passions. His values were who he became.
Are our passions noble? Are we focused on power, fame, or wealth? Or, are they focused on helping others to be all they can be?
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Parable of Talents
Matthew 25: 14-27
For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he a gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.
Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money.
After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them. And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
He also he that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed.
For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he a gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.
Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money.
After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them. And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
He also he that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed.
Monday, June 30, 2008
George Washington - The Power of Example In Reaching Our Potential
By David Willden
Examples are the most powerful sources of learning. While none of us are like George Washington, we each stand to learn invaluable lessons from him.
George Washington had every reason to fail. He lacked experience, he wasn’t a genius, and he didn’t have the best resources available to him. However, because of his faith and perseverance he prevailed. In the end, no one did more to define the government of United States of America and ultimately to influence the governments of the world.
What can we personally learn from George Washington? What made this unassuming leader stand out? What motivated him? What helped him to have faith, to be persistent? What was his purpose? What were his values? What was his personality like? What were his talents? What were his strengths?
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