I Timothy 5:17 “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.”
On July 9th, 1776, General George Washington issued his first General Order after the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The order contained the following:
“The Honorable Continental Congress having been pleased to allow a Chaplain to each Regiment, with the pay of Thirty-three Dollars and one third per month—The Colonels or commanding officers of each regiment are directed to procure Chaplains accordingly; persons of good Character and exemplary lives—To see that all inferior officers and soldiers pay them a suitable respect and attend carefully upon religious exercises: The blessing and protection of Heaven are at all times necessary but especially so in times of public distress and danger—The General hopes and trusts, that every officer, and man, will endeavour so to live, and act, as becomes a Christian Soldier defending the dearest Rights and Liberties of his country.”
General Washington understood the importance of providing for the spiritual health of his men as an upmost priority. He recognized the significance of encouraging soldiers to attend carefully to the exercise of their religion. He grasped for the blessings and protection of Heaven at all times. He knew the pivotal nature of character among the revolutionary army, striving for all to live and act as model Christian Soldiers. He saw all of the above as critical to the defense of our rights and our liberties.
Character, vision, mentorship, spiritual health, exercise of religion, and God-given blessings and protection remain just as critical today to the defense of our rights and our liberties. Sadly, they are often neglected and shunned by our culture. PLEASE PRAY THAT WE WOULD ONCE AGAIN CAREFULLY ATTEND TO RELIGIOUS EXERCISE IN THIS LAND. It is essential that we live and act as becomes a Christian Soldier.
