My Son, Make A Difference

Today is the day most parents worry about. Our oldest son is moving out. Not just out of the house but out of the state. He's getting married in a few months and is moving closer to his bride-to-be. He's set to start his new job, and a new chapter in life. This has been a bittersweet week for me. I'm happy for him. I remember my journey from home and I was younger than he is. He'll do fine. We on the other hand, well we are going to miss having him around the house. He's a great son. Adam, you know how much we love you. Now, I want to let you know how much I want you to make a difference in your world. I am reading a book on Ronald Reagan called The Crusader, written by Dr. Paul Kengor. It's a fascinating look at the man who seemed destined to be the victor over Communism. What most sticks out in my mind is how often President Reagan stood alone and unmovable in his quest to liberate the world from the bondage of Lenin/Marxism. It got me to thinking about how few of us actually stay totally focused on our cause. The difference one man can make. It's obvious that the greatest difference any one man made is seen in the cross of Calvary. For what would any of us have if we did not have the hope of eternal life and salvation through Jesus Christ? Notwithstanding the great sacrifice of the Messiah, I want to point out some men whom, with single-mindedness of purpose and clarity of vision, made a difference in our nation. Freedom from the bondage of tyranny George Washington was a man of great faith and a great leader in the revolt against the tyrannical reign of King George V of England. He led the ragtag armies of the fledgling United States against the professional armies of the King of England ultimately to freedom from tyranny. Given multiple opportunities to be crowned King of the United States of America, he refused, preferring the title “President.” A man of prayer Washington was observed to pray twice daily and with an open Bible set before him. It was considered to be his daily pattern. Freedom from the bondage of slavery Abraham Lincoln was a man of faith and biblical studies, yet it is reported that his faith in God did not become active until he visited Gettysburg after the great battle. Nonetheless, Lincoln understood the evils of slavery and though faced with civil war and the possibility of the cessation of the southern states he stood his ground, stayed the course and proclaimed freedom for all slaves. This he felt was a mandate from the Almighty. Lincoln’s life seemed to be one of unending adversity. History records many personal setbacks in his life, which is not inconsistent with the hardships all people faced in those days. From personal failings to deaths of those close to him he allowed these events to build resolve and tenacity. His persistent and unrelenting character ultimately led him to the White House and the presidency of the United States. Determined to affect his country for good, he, like Washington became a focused leader of men, bent on delivering America from the scourge of slavery. When faced with the prospect of General Robert E. Lee invading Pennsylvania and no general wanting to defend the area, Lincoln resorted to prayer. Lincoln knew that America, not just the northern states, needed God. He also felt that with God’s hand America could be re-united and all men could stand as free. Freedom from the bondage of Communism Back to Ronald Reagan. Reagan seemed to know from the start that he was to save people. While working as a lifeguard on the Rock River near his hometown of Dixon, Illinois, he ultimately saved seventy seven people from drowning while losing none. An avowed anti-communist, Reagan was determined to not let the effects of Lenin/Marxism take hold in America. As president of the Screen Actors Guild he fought the infiltration of communism into America’s media center, the film industry. Looking back, his life seemed destined and guided by God for the purpose of freeing people under totalitarian bondage. The leaders of the Soviet Union had killed between 25 and 60 million people in their quest to force Communism on the world and Reagan wanted it to end. Reagan’s greatest challenges did not come from Soviet leaders, but from right here in America. Reviled as uneducated and simple his purpose seemed to belie what appeared on the surface. Mocked in the media and Congress, he too stayed the course, often times going it alone. At times his devoted wife, Nancy, would also be opposed to some of the policies that he set in place. Yet through this all, the vision of winning the Cold War and freeing tens of millions of people fueled him onward. We all now know the outcome of one man’s persistent fight, and faith. A word to Adam A father much wiser than me once penned these words to his son. Ultimately they make their way to us and the application is universal. I choose them for you as you start your journey. My son, if your heart is wise, my heart too will be glad. My inmost being will exult when your lips speak what is right. Let not your heart envy sinners, but continue in the fear of the LORD all the day. Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off. Hear, my son, and be wise, and direct your heart in the way. (Proverbs 23:15-19 ESV) In my lifetime I have seen what one life can do. I have seen the power of faith, the providence of God, the deliverance that one person can effect. My son, be a person of unwavering commitment. Be a man of faith. Trust God when even your friends seem opposed to your calling. Make a difference in your world. Adam, it's your day, and your world. Make a difference.