A most valuable lesson to learn from our predecessors is the importance of creating a godly image. Of this, Jesus Himself said, “You are the light of the world…let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14, 16).
A compelling example of predecessors providing a godly image is George Washington (1732-1799)!
There are numerous extant accounts of his personal devotion to Jesus Christ. Family testimony is always the most meaningful. His granddaughter, Nellie Custis (whom George and Martha adopted when her father died — Martha’s son from a previous marriage) wrote this about her grandfather:
“His life, his writings, prove that he was a Christian. He was not one of those who act and pray ‘That they may be seen of men.’ He communed with his God in secret.”
Although Washington was more of a doer than a sayer of his faith, God allowed his secret communion to not go unnoticed! Perhaps the most famous example is of his prayer at Valley Forge, PA. A local farmer came across General Washington, kneeling in the snow, and with tears in his eyes was heard praying for his men.
During the first part of his presidency, Washington’s nephew, Robert Lewis, served as his personal secretary. Lewis said he’d accidentally witnessed his private devotions in his library both morning and evening; that on those occasions he had seen him in a kneeling posture with a Bible open before him, and that he believed such to have been his daily practice.
Although Washington was a man of few words,
- When the need arose, he led his colonial army in worship of God on the Sabbath; he set Christian standards for his troops to live by
- He was the spiritual leader in his home
- He was also a lay-leader in his church at Alexandria, Virginia, and had a rented pew in the Brutan-Parish Church in Williamsburg, VA which he attended when in the area (I’ve sat in his pew!).
What people see is critical. What Washington’s peers (and most importantly his family) saw had a profound impact. In fact, he was so revered and loved by the American people that he was the first (and only!) president to be unanimously elected: He won all the electoral votes!
By simply following the example of George Washington, we can create a godly image that will make a difference:
- Commit to personal communion with God.
- Seize God-given opportunities to be a spiritual leader.
- Be committed to serving others.