Presidents Day

"But select capable men from all the people--men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain--and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens."
Exodus 18:25

As the advice to Moses from his father-in-law in the verse above demonstrates, the need for capable, trustworthy leadership is as old as the Bible. We are blessed to live in a country in which we can vote for our leaders, so we have the duty to choose carefully and wisely.

As the Presidential Primary season heats up, we have a broad choice of candidates, all vying for our vote and presenting reasons why they believe they would be the most capable leader for our nation. We need to take our responsibilities as voters very seriously, making absolutely sure that we are comfortable with the course our next president will set for the future of the United States.

As we consider the candidates in this presidential election year, we could set no higher standard than the two presidents whose birthday's we celebrate this month on Presidents Day: George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. The memories of their greatness may be fading a bit with the passing years, but when we examine their lives and achievements, it's easy to understand why their portraits once graced the walls of every school room, why they their images are chiseled on Mount Rushmore and engraved on our currency, and why they each have major monuments in our nation's capital.

I recently contributed to the new People's President Gallery at Mount Vernon in the hope that these exhibits will help preserve and restore our respect and gratitude for George Washington and others who won the freedoms we enjoy today. These exhibits at Washington's home will be visible reminders to children and their children's children of this great leader who played an essential role in winning our freedom and founding the United States of America. Visitors will see beyond the statues and engraving on the dollar bill. These exhibits bring Washington to life - the young, brave horseman helping tame the wilderness, the courageous leader fighting against formidable odds in battle, and the wise first president who helped create the United States of America. Without George Washington, the new American nation very likely would not have won its independence in a war against one of the most powerful military forces on earth. No other American had the exact qualities needed to fill the office of first President of the United States and form a united nation from independent states.

Abraham Lincoln was the epitome of the self-made man of humble beginnings who achieved greatness through opportunities available in a free country. He began life in a dirt-floor, one-room cabin on the empty plains of Indiana and despite a combined one-year of formal education in one-room prairie schoolhouses was elected President of the United States. Before his presidency, he failed as a shopkeeper and was defeated in races for the U.S. Congress and Senate. But once elected president, he led the monumental task of preserving our nation and ending the institution of slavery that had been dividing our country and citizens for decades.
We've been fortunate to have many great leaders in America. Before we elect our leader for the next four years, let's consider the high standards we should expect, ask God for wisdom and choose carefully.

If you're interested, there is more information about:
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Rich DeVos is the former chairman of Gospel Communications. He is also the author of "Hope From My Heart: Ten Lessons for Life," co-founder of Amway Corp., and owner and chairman of the NBA's Orlando Magic.