SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2024 - LEADERSHIP THOUGHTS

 SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2024 - RANDOM THOUGHTS OF LEADERS.

Today, after this week’s election, I bring three leaders’ thoughts - King David, George Washington, and Abraham Lincoln:

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KING DAVID’S LAST WORDS (AS A SONG)
2 Samuel 23:3-4

3 The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.

4 And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain.

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Karen adds:  Composer Randall Thompson put these words into song, and my high school choir sang the music.

My analysis: Leaders must be JUST and rule under God (in God’s “fear” or “awe”). They must be like the “light of the morning—fresh, no pollution, clear (and implying—at least to me)—pure and honest.  

“Just” can be a difficult concept. Is it just to fine (or tax)  everybody $1,000, or is it just to have a graduated fee, with the rich paying more than the poor?  

“Just” (at least to me) needs to be tempered with “mercy.” Micah 6:8 - “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.”

If God were acting entirely justly, all people would be in hell. We are all sinners!! But, I believe in justice with MERCY. (“Lord be merciful to me - a sinner”)

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GEORGE WASHINGTON’S FAREWELL ADDRESS: (SUMMARIZED)

In his 1796 Farewell Address, George Washington warned Americans of the dangers to the nation’s unity and stability and announced his decision not to seek a third term as president: 

Regionalism
Washington warned against putting local politics above the good of the nation.  

• Political parties

• Washington warned that political parties could divide the nation and be used by those seeking to become tyrants. 

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• Foreign influence

• Washington warned against becoming involved in the affairs of foreign nations, as he feared it could lead to those nations influencing America’s direction. He also urged Americans to avoid permanent alliances with foreign nations and instead rely on temporary alliances for emergencies. 

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• Two-term limit

• Washington set the precedent for the two-term limit, avoiding the possibility that the presidency would become a lifetime appointment.

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KAREN’S THOUGHTS AS WE CHANGE ADMINISTRATIONS. 

We don’t follow Washington’s suggestions very well. We are a divided country—some states vote red, and some vote blue. Regionalism is partison. of it. Some states say, “It’s alright to fund private school students with tax breaks,” while others say, “Only public schools get funding.”  

So, it is acceptable and proper to help fund Catholic, Lutheran, and evangelical schools. In twenty years, will we agree with that when Muslim families start their own schools?  

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Washington warned “that political parties could divide the nation and be used by those seeking to become tyrants.”  

Well, guess what, George (in his tomb at Mount Vernon)—political parties have divided this nation. (Some have worried that the incoming president might be a tyrant.)

 

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  It is a harsh world out there. Do we support our allies (aka - Ukraine and Israel) or remain neutral?

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• AND EXCERPTS FROM LINCOLN’S GETTYSBURG ADDRESS:

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• “It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth. 

Having a “government of the people, by the people, and for the people” is almost impossible. My United States Congressman has a district of over 840,000 people. Can my representative be fair and just with nearly a million people in his district?   (Yes, I know and understand that my congressman has aides, and I sent him a note, but he probably won’t see it. An aide will read it and handle the matter.) “We the people” has become the following: “We are the people's representatives, belonging to a political party with a party agenda.”

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My God gives all our leaders wisdom, understanding, mercy, and grace. 

First, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for all people—  for kings and all those in authority- so that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. (2 Timothy 2:1-2)

LOVE WINS

LOVE TRANSFORMS

Karen Anne White, November 9, 2024