There was a decisive victory in the politics of this country won on November 2, 2004. It was a day where the American people among other things said that morality counts. Not criticizing President Clinton’s leadership, he will be remembered as the president that took morality out of the White House. And President Bush will be remembered as a man who restored it.
The key to this restoration is the faith that George W. Bush speaks about on such a personal level. He puts his trust in a higher power and does not rely upon his own strength to lead. It is not the man that makes himself great, but the power of the Holy Spirit reigning in his heart. In the third debate President Bush clearly showed this Spirit as he spoke about his faith. This is what carried him through the day. Indeed, being led by men who gave their lives over to God, has made this a great nation.
To many people, this victory was a great disappointment and they are fearful for what the future holds. They are worried about their civil liberties; they are worried about their personal needs being met. They are more afraid of George W. Bush then they are of the Lord God Almighty. Had the election gone the other way, I surely would be disappointed as well. But I would not be more fearful of my future than I am living a life that is pleasing to my Savior.
In many ways this election can be compared to the Civil War with our diverging thoughts on the issues of our day, and their may even be people that believe we are headed there again. The issues are different now, but the hearts of the people are not. They still strongly believe in their causes and want to fight for what they believe is right and true.
President Bush, just as President Lincoln was, is charged with uniting this country with a clear purpose and moving us forward binding us all to one future. You can be different without being divisive; you can be on the offense without being offensive. That is another part of what makes this country so great.
Finally, this is a unique government that is made up of the great men and women that live here. This is truly a government of, by & for the people. And it is this union of man and government which forces it to seek our approval not the other way around. It is true that as a Christian we do not need the government’s approval, but of course we need to submit to it. Just as this government needs to submit to God, so shall the Christian above his government.
We have the privilege of playing active roles in the direction of this country and as Christians we have the responsibility to use that privilege in godly ways. This means raising up leaders who do not think of themselves as gods, but are godly. I am proud of this country for recognizing that and re-electing President Bush, but I am even more thankful that God continued to bless this nation with a man of faith.
Here are two great men of their time and their humble words and hopes for a greater America blessed by its divine creator.
President George W. Bush says thank you (11.03.04):
America has spoken. And I am humbled by the trust and confidence of my fellow citizens. With that trust comes a duty: I will serve all Americans, so help me God. I am proud to lead such an amazing country -- and I am proud to lead it forward.
Reaching our goals will require the broad support of Americans. A new term is a new opportunity to reach out to the whole nation. We have one country, one Constitution, and one future that binds us all. And when we come together and work together, there is no limit to the greatness of America.
A campaign has ended, and our cause is renewed. The United States of America goes forward with confidence and faith. I can see a new day coming, and I am eager for the work ahead. God bless you all, and God bless America.
President Abraham Lincoln dedicates the cemetery at Gettysburg (11.19.1863):
But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate – we cannot consecrate – we cannot hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember, what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here.
It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. 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.
Posted by price at November 4, 2004 09:52 AM