I have enjoyed studying the lives of several of our presidents. Each of them possessed character qualities that impress me. In light of our recent election, I want to mention some of these qualities.
Our Founding Fathers had many political disagreements. John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, and James Madison held opposing positions on the balance of powers between branches of the government, the necessity of a federal banking system, slavery, and taxation. Their debates were often heated exchanges that became personal, and animosity divided several of them. Yet, our Founding Fathers agreed upon one thing: George Washington should serve as our first president. The Electoral College voted for him unanimously.
George Washington left office peacefully and honorably after serving two terms. He set an example for future generations that our president was not to enrich himself, nor establish a permanent, personal position of power. John Adams was a committed Christian who made many sacrifices for our nation. Thomas Jefferson had the foresight to make the Louisiana Purchase. Adams and Jefferson had contrasting personalities and perspectives. Adams was bombastic during debates, while Jefferson rarely spoke. Jefferson synthesized the arguments in the Continental Congress and wrote the documents that reflected the consensus of the leaders. Jefferson and Adams had disagreements, but they established a tradition of civility and honor which helped hold our new Republic together.
Most of our Founding Fathers set a good example as they wrestled through the issues of their day. However, when Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton deeply offended each other, they decided to settle their differences with a duel. Aaron Burr, our third vice president, shot and killed Alexander Hamilton. Because these two men could not respond to offenses with grace, the voice of one of our greatest Founding Fathers was silenced.
Abraham Lincoln rose from poverty. He had the wisdom and courage to abolish slavery and keep our union together. Theodore Roosevelt read thousands of books in several languages. He established national parks and broke up monopolistic trusts. Harry Truman became president after failing as a farmer, wildcatter, and haberdasher.
In my lifetime, Dwight Eisenhower brought stability and prosperity. John Kennedy was energetic and eloquent. Jimmy Carter demonstrated humility and faith. Ronald Reagan brought hope to Americans who had grown weary and pessimistic because of our communist adversaries. George H. W. Bush was wise enough to build a consensus of world leaders to remove Saddam Hussein from Iraq, have them help pay for the war, and then leave the Middle East after our objectives were accomplished. Bill Clinton balanced our budget, reformed welfare, and showed that a boy raised by a single mother in Hope, Arkansas, could become president. He also showed that character shortcomings do not necessarily change once a man becomes president.
George W. Bush was a faithful man who responded well to the challenge of terrorism, but the results of our long-term occupations in Iraq and Afghanistan demonstrate that our military power cannot guarantee good government in foreign countries. We do not have a divine mandate to rule other nations.
Barak Obama illustrates that a biracial boy child born to a poor single mother can become a Harvard graduate and president of the United States. He did not use race, poverty, prior drug use, or poor family dynamics as excuses to keep him from fulfilling his dreams. He believes in the audacity of hope which inspires many people.
We will soon have a new president who will face unique challenges when he takes office. I did not vote for him for many reasons; however, my write-in candidate was soundly defeated. I will pray for Donald Trump to have wisdom, humility, and grace to lead our country well. I hope he will one day be seen as a great president.
We are commanded to honor our leaders whether or not they represent the values we hold. It is legitimate to disagree with them, but it is important to do so with respect. It takes faith to honor someone you disagree with, whether it is your parent, your boss, or our president. We only have one perfect Master, and He is in heaven.
If America is to be great in the years to come, we will need leaders who have great wisdom, courage, and character. Character is molded positively when we respond to suffering with perseverance. Perseverance gives us hope. Hope does not disappoint us because, in spite of human failings, God’s kingdom ultimately triumphs on the earth. There are no shortcuts to great character, but there is grace. Grace is the gift we all need to triumph in life. No president can mold our character or give us grace. God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble.