Multitudes are looking to enjoy “The American Dream.” Its glitter draws people from around the world and even catches the eye of millions of Americans.
In the days of our first President, George Washington (1732-1799), however, it was very different. There was no glitter but rock-solid substance upon which to build a nation: freedom to worship as God leads, and the conviction that “we cannot be silent, no matter what the cost.”
July 4, 1776 – 250 Years Ago
On this date, the Declaration of Independence was adopted by a unanimous decision of the Second Continental Congress. Among other things, it provides the American colonists’ grievances with the king’s abuses.
The Declaration shows that the worship of God, and the freedom to do that without a tyrant’s opposition, is a central feature of the real American dream.
The Declaration provides the primary focus of this important document: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” This was a radical, but biblical concept: Our rights are not given to us by government, but by God.
The 56 men who signed the Declaration were guilty of treason, a crime punishable by death. These men were leaders in their communities and had much to lose, but for them liberty was more important than security.
The question that I will try to answer is this: Who was the man who would lead the newly birthed nation in these tumultuous years of danger, and what was he like?
George Washington was a Statesman and Not a Politician.
A statesman is a man of good character and integrity, who focuses on the long-term good of the country, not just winning an election. Politicians often prioritize immediate gains. Statesmen focus on long-term goals. Ronald Reagan was in the latter category.
George Washington believed that there were certain rules of civility that must be observed. When he was 14, Washington translated a French document titled “The Rules of Civility.” Rule Number One: “Every action done in the presence of others ought to show some sign of respect to those who are present.” How you eat, sit, engage in conversation, and the showing of respect for women were high on his list of respectful behaviors.
Even when Washington was general in the War for Independence, he required the soldiers to refrain from objectionable behaviors, drunkenness, fighting, cursing, and gambling. And on Sundays, if not on the battlefield, each soldier was required to be in church.
George Washington was a Leader Who Effectively Organized a Diverse People for a Specific Purpose.
Washington believed in the importance of good leadership. One of his aphorisms brings this out: “A pack of jackasses led by a lion is superior to a pack of lions led by a jackass.”
The 13 colonies were not united in becoming a new nation. Those in opposition were The Loyalists. For one thing, going to war against England with its well-trained military and huge navy seemed doomed from the outset. The small sailing vessels possessed by the Americans were no match for the heavy cannon on British warships. Indeed, there were Americans who did want to break free from the King, but there were many who thought it was too risky.
In addition to the Quakers who were pacifists and did not believe that war is permissible, some of the Colonists feared that the new American government might be worse than being under the king. It was amazing that Washington was able to do anything with such a diverse multitude.
Washington also had leadership skills when it came to the military. Many soldiers went without pay for months and sometimes soldiers’ rations were meager. What was it about Washington that made him so remarkable?
George Washington And The Bible.
Washington personally read the Bible and quoted the Bible. Those who deny America’s unique Christian roots will claim that many educated people in positions of prominence in the 18th century also quoted from the Bible. However, they also quoted from Greek and Roman authors of antiquity. Washington quoted almost exclusively from the Bible and applied its teachings to his personal life and role as a leader. Here are some of his most-quoted Scriptures:
Micah 4:4: “But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make them afraid.”
Washington quoted this Scripture in his letters and speeches more than 50 times. The vine produces grapes, and being under a fig tree means immediate access to nutritious food. Notice it is “under HIS vine” and “under HIS fig tree.” This speaks about personal property. It is not a communal setting. “And none shall make them afraid.” If you are living under royal authority, you always live in fear.
Micah 6:8: “He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”
We can all benefit from this reminder. We all have a duty to God and those in His world.
Proverbs 29:2: “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.”
Those who have lived under a king who believes in the divine right of kings say “Amen” to this Scripture.
America – A Continuing Testimony
In 1607, 125 years before the birth of Washington, the first permanent English settlement in the New World, organized at Jamestown in what is now Virginia, printed its First Charter. The settlement was for “the propagating of the Christian religion…” and for “the glory of His Divine Majesty.”
The real American dream is far more God-honoring than what we have today. The true American patriot is working and praying that Washington’s vision for America will once again claim the hearts of Americans.
