Thursday; February 12

Happy birthday to President Abraham Lincoln who was born in Hodgenville, Kentucky on this date in 1809.  Abraham Lincoln is one of the best-known Americans to have ever lived and he is also one of the most quotable.  If you search “quotes by Abraham Lincoln” you are bound to be overwhelmed by a lot of gems, but one I came across the other day struck me for its timelessness.  According to multiple accounts, when the president was approached with the idea of the Lord favoring the Union’s take on the divisive issues in 19th Century America, Lincoln is quoted as noting, “Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God’s side, for God is always right.”.  In a nation known for positioning God on our side (no matter the issue) I think this insight is refreshing.  The belief that God backs us because of who we are is counterintuitive to the way things should be.  God does not serve our nation; it is our responsibility to serve Him by following His ways.  As I look back at Lincoln’s quote one thing really stands out to me – notice the use of the words “our” and “my”.  A misdirected nationalism might advocate that God will support a particular form of government; but when it really comes down to it, a relationship with God is built on a personal basis.  Righteousness is not the inheritance of citizenship; it is based on individual faithfulness. 

Thousands of years before Lincoln governed the United States, the Old Testament people of God were challenged, “Now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require from you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and love Him, and to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the Lord’s commandments and His statutes which I am commanding you today for your good? (Deuteronomy 10:12-13).  That’s a pretty good lesson for any generation seeking to be faithful to God – especially 21st Century America.

Think About It!

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