Colossians 1:10 “That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God.”
On June 15th, 1775, General George Washington was appointed Commander in Chief of the Continental Army, taking command two and a half weeks later. On July 4th, 1775, exactly a year before the Second Continental Congress proclaimed colonial independence and more than two months after the first shots of the Revolutionary War, General Washington published the first orders to his new command. They included the following admonition:
“The General most earnestly requires, and expects, a due observance of those articles of war, established for the Government of the army, which forbid profane cursing, swearing and drunkeness; And in like manner requires and expects, of all Officers, and Soldiers, not engaged on actual duty, a punctual attendance on divine Service, to implore the blessings of heaven upon the means used for our safety and defence.”
Washington’s General Orders contained the short but critical components of proper behavior and right living. Elsewhere in the Orders, General Washington required officers to properly care for their men. He forbade his men from cursing, swearing, and drunkeness. And yes, General Washington ordered his men to attend church, worship and pray.
The officers and soldiers of the Continental Army were to be worthy examples. Their behavior reflected their unit, their army, and their cause. They were to be clean and humble. They were to be upright and bold. They were to be faithful and prayerful. So must we!
PLEASE PRAY THAT OUR WALK WOULD BE WORTHY OF OUR CAUSE. Washington’s General Orders were a reflection of God’s Word. Our orders are exactly the same.
