[…]and as leaders of character. Let me explain. In a few minutes, by swearing to the oath of office, you will assume the awesome responsibilities of your formal commission. The oath itself is simple and deliberately unconditional, a whole of five parts. In sequence you will swear: To support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic. To bear truth, faith and allegiance to the same. That you take this obligation freely, without mental reservation or purpose of evasion. That you will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which you […]
[…]for any success I’ve enjoyed. In peace and in war, I have confidently gone to the deep well of my faith in hard times, and I have always found sustenance and comfort there. My experience has convinced me that spiritual faith-faith in God-must become the solid bedrock of an individual’s character. While the leader must demonstrate the highest standards of conduct and, ideally, personify the values that define his organization, he must also ensure that those same values are instilled in his subordinates. He must endeavor to cultivate both a spiritual appreciation for them and confidence in the integrity of […]
[…]privileges. Each year my wife and I plan our Christian giving for the next year and make a list of those to whom we send tithes and offerings each month. The manager would write out tithe checks. This also doubled as accountability for us, and a faith lesson for him, having at least one of our children knowing exactly how much of our income we were giving to the Lord’s work. I have a small cubicle in my desk where I put bills and bank statements as they come in and they were to check periodically for bills to pay. […]
[…]at his or her best. Perseverance reveals itself in one more day of responsibility, one more week of faithfulness, and one more deployment. But if you’ve ever asked, “How long?” you’re in good company. This question was asked more than 50 times by Old Testament heroes. In Psalm 13 David asks, “How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?” David seems to be overwhelmed by thoughts […]
