Saturday, March 20, 2010

March 20, 2010

"You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things." Romans 2:1
Across the river from our beautiful city of Fredericksburg is the home of a real "stand up guy"!
George Washington spent his formative years growing up on the other side of the Rappahannock River at a place called "Ferry Farm". It is a significant historic place, as you might imagine. This is the location for the famous story about the cherry tree. Supposedly, his father discovered that a cherry tree had been leveled on the farm and knowing that young George had recently received a new hatchet he was a prime suspect. When confronted by his father George is reported to have answered, "I cannot tell a lie. I chopped down the tree!"
While I have been told by a local historian that there are or never have been any cherry trees in this area and the incident probably didn't happen, it has survived through the ages because it matches what we know of George Washington's character. He took responsibility for his actions and always did what was right.
Many historians call George Washington the "indespensible man". His honestyl and strength of character were exactly what our young nation needed as it got its footings in the world.
We could use men like that today! I want to be a man like that - but it is hard. It is hard to be wrong and it is even harder to admit that your wrong and it is especially hard to admit your wrong to your spouse!
It is so easy to find excuses or fix the blame or find some way to weasel out.
But, good relationships like strong nations are formed on a foundation of honest character. America became great because its founders were great and stood on great truths with great courage. If they had been dishonest or politically expedient we would have ended up like many other mediocre nations. We would have never become the exceptional nation we became. These several dozen brave patriots pledged their "lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor" to build a nation on Godly values. They were all "stand up" guys.
My wife needs me to be a "stand up" guy. My God needs me to be a "stand up" guy. My own conscience needs me to be a "stand up" guy. I need to take responsibility for my thoughts, my desires and my actions. When I get it right I must be humble. When I am wrong I must be honest and take responsibility. It is a matter of trust. Trust breeds respect. Love is built on trust and respect. If I expect my wife to trust me, respect me and love me - I must master this personal responsibility thing.
I need to own my failures, admit my faults and fall on the mercy of my wife when I am wrong. When that happens, I will win her with my honesty and she will win me with her graciousness.
The old slogan I learned growing up said, "If it is to be it's up to me"!
When it comes to a strong marriage and healthy relationships it is largely up to me. I will be honest even when it hurts! I will be a "stand up" guy taking a stand for what is true and what is right - every time!
Hey guys - want to stand with me?