Life of George Washington
Life of George Washington: An Example to All
There is great interest in the life of George Washington, the first President of the great United States of America. He was a man among men and if there was ever a type of man for others to emulate, he was one for the ages. By no means am I suggesting that George Washington was a perfect human being. What I am suggesting, however, is that every human being needs an example of great disciplined character and faith to learn from, and George Washington was an expert professor in the field.
Life of George Washington: A Purposeful Lifestyle
The life of George Washington was characterized by purpose. David Barton, an author, historian and the founder and president of WallBuilders “an organization dedicated to presenting America's forgotten history and heroes, with an emphasis on the moral, religious, and constitutional foundation on which America was built,” wrote an article entitled Was George Washington a Christian?1. In that article Mr. Barton quotes from a letter written by George Washington’s adopted daughter Nelly Custis-Lewis. Mrs. Custis-Lewis points out some attributes of George Washington that help the watchful eye see and understand what set the first President of the United States apart from others in his and our time. Look carefully at the purposefulness of George Washington’s life and decision making process. Mrs. Custis-Lewis says,
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“In New York and Philadelphia he never omitted attendance at church in the morning, unless detained by indisposition [sickness]. The afternoon was spent in his own room at home; the evening with his family, and without company. Sometimes an old and intimate friend called to see us for an hour or two; but visiting and visitors were prohibited for that day [Sunday]. No one in church attended to the services with more reverential respect…It was his custom to retire to his library at nine or ten o'clock where he remained an hour before he went to his chamber. He always rose before the sun and remained in his library until called to breakfast…He was not one of those who act or pray, "that they may be seen of men" [Matthew 6:5]. He communed with his God in secret [Matthew 6:6]…His mottos were, "Deeds, not Words"; and, "For God and my Country."
Life of George Washington: Visible for all to See
The life of George Washington was highly visible, leading armies of men to battle from the French and Indian war to the Revolutionary War. He was constantly watched by those around him and as a result people knew who this man was. One would be hard pressed to find negative truth that has been recorded in regard to George Washington’s life. With so many eyes on him and a deep desire to serve his country and the God of creation George Washington made well-thought-out decisions every day of his life. He did not have the privilege, if that is what one would call it, to live life on the whim. From his bedroom to the presidential office that he served in, George Washington spent his days purposefully living. He seemed to never do anything that wasted time. He spent devotional time with God on a daily basis, he encouraged people through word and deed, and he sacrificed his own selfish humanistic desires in order to appropriately and successfully serve out his life and calling.
William J. Federer, in America’s God and Country: Encyclopedia of Quotations writes,
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“Henry Muhlenberg, pastor of the Lutheran church near Valley Forge and one of the founders of the Lutheran Church in America, noted concerning General Washington:
I heard a fine example today, namely, that His Excellency general Washington rode around among his army yesterday and admonished each and every one to fear God, to put away the wickedness that has set in and become so general, and to practice the Christian virtues. From all appearances, this gentleman does not belong to the so-called world of society, for he respects God’s Word, believes in the atonement through Christ, and bears himself in humility and gentleness. Therefore, the Lord God has also singularly, yea, marvelously, preserved him from harm in the midst of countless perils, ambuscades, fatigues, etc., and has hitherto graciously held him in His hand as a chosen vessel.”
Life of George Washington: Emulating a Hero
The life of George Washington is one worth emulating. With all that is wrong with our world today, men and women of all ages need to look to those who throughout history lived life the right way. George Washington was one of those people and upon searching out and understanding his life, one can see that purposeful living is not easy. However, when one purposefully does the things in life that place God, others and duty in front of selfish desires, through the difficulty they will face in disciplining themselves, they will find true and lasting success. The world can change with this kind of lifestyle flowing from the heart of our current and future generations.
George Washington was a hero of this nation and of the Christian faith. He was not a perfect man, but he purposefully served one that was -- Jesus Christ. In his faith-based service to Christ, George Washington helped build the greatest, most powerful and most successful nation this world has ever known. Not to mention the many secret and behind the scenes successes he had with friends, family, and the many people who crossed his path throughout his purposeful and God-fearing life.
1 wallbuilders.com
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