One of my favorite books is “The Humorous Mr. Lincoln” by Keith W. Jennison. Abraham Lincoln was always a favorite of mine and I loved reading about his antics growing up. The one I remember best is when he was working and realized he had given a customer the wrong amount of change. The story goes that he walked eight miles to return the few cents….to make it right. What an inspiration Mr. Lincoln was to me and many others.
I also enjoyed reading about George Washington, our first President. The most told and best remembered story of George was when he admitted to his father that he had cut down the cherry tree and willingly faced his punishment. “I cannot tell a lie,” are the famous words he spoke.
Both these men grew up to hold the highest office in our country. We have elected forty-five men so far to be our President. Though some were more successful at it than others, all will be remembered for something. Our country has gone through many changes and much progress since George Washington and Honest Abe served, but the standards they set for honesty and hard work are needed more than ever today as the governent they served has become corrupt in so many ways.
I cannot tell a lie….how badly this concept is needed by all of us in today’s world! It is one of God’s commandments carved in stone: Thou shalt not bear false witness (lie)….and one most often broken. We try to convince ourselves that there is a difference in a little fib….a white lie….and one concerning something really important, but we must face facts: A lie is a lie, no matter it’s size or content. Most all of us would have to admit to telling a few lies in our lifetime, or bent the truth a bit, as some like to call it.
The truth will set us free…. and sometimes even hedging around it or not admitting to doing something can be considered lying….and have major consequences. Such was the case with General Flynn who recently lost his new post as National Security Advisor. One of the biggest problems we have with bearing false witness today is the news media and stories that have been called “fake news.” Too many times, what is reported turns out to be false, gossip or made up by someone opposed to the President. Many have stopped listening to the news broadcasts on TV altogether.
As we celebrate President’s Day, let us remember to pray for our country, our leaders and those bearing false witness. Sin and corruption are being revealed as God is working to restore honesty and honor to our government as well as in our personal lives. Let’s pray for unity between President Trump and the press so that both may do a better job. Our national security is most important and must be protected. Pray for honest, God-fearing men and women to fill the many offices still to be filled.
May we all be inspired by the honesty and integrity of George and Abe on this President’s day and encouraged by the Lord’s words: “And thou shalt do that which is right and good in the sight of the Lord: that it may be well with thee.” Deuteronomy 6:18
