"The wise are cautious and avoid danger; fools plunge ahead with reckless confidence" - Proverbs 14:16, NIV).
Once the Rev Billy Graham was invited out to have lunch with then US first lady, Hillary Clinton. He surprised most when word came back- "Billy Graham" does not meet any member of the opposite sex alone"! A compromise was only reached after it was agreed the meeting would take place in an open public building.
What some were not aware is that back in 1948 Billy Graham and four other male co-workers had adopted the Modesto manifesto where they resolved to "avoid any situation that would have even the appearance of compromise or suspicion". Although he led a highly public life where he was very much under constant scrutiny it has been noted by all that Graham was never linked to any moral scandal.
Former US Vice President, Mike Pence, equally shared the same principles. In March 2017, The Washington Post noted that Vice President Mike Pence never eats alone with a woman other than his wife, Karen, and that he won't attend events featuring alcohol without her by his side. This caused some discussion of what became known as the "Pence rule"!
There might be those who would view these two gentlemen as stiff absolutes. After all, there is also no Biblical injunctions forbidding opposite sex meeting. However, when one becomes aware of the temptations that those in leadership face, where on occasions even the mighty fall, this might only be simple wise caution, to do one well in the Christian life.
Ephesians 5:15 says, "Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise.." In every life sometimes it helps to have some guiding principles, which clearly we see, served well these two leaders.
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today I pray that you guide me in my walk with you and that I avoid such situations where the enemy can easily cause me to go astray.
Related upcoming events
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29/04/2024 - 30/04/2024 All day“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27)
One of the most moving Christian song ever written is, “Its well with my soul!” To hear it sung in cathedrals, concerts or at funerals, always leaves many with goose bumps. It has uplifted many through the most difficult of moments, soothing their weary spirit.
It’s coming into being in many ways show how God so often uses difficult situations to bless so many. In 1871 Horatio Spafford, was one of the wealthiest lawyers, based in Chicago. He was also a devout Christian, along with his wife Ann, and their four daughters. But early in 1871 came the Great Fire of Chicago that destroyed Spafford’s sizable investment.
Devastated from the loss, Spafford, seeking to recover, two years later, decided to go for a holiday in Europe. But at the last minute he was detained by business, letting Ann and his four daughters to proceed, hoping to join them. No sooner had they left when the ship in which they were had an accident and sank within minutes. All the four children drowned, though Anna survived.
Spafford on receiving the news decided to go and pick up Ann. As he got to the spot where the ship had sunk, in his despair came the words that have brought respite to so many, through generations. “When peace like a river attendeth my way. When sorrows like sea billows roll Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say It is well, it is well with my soul... Let this blest assurance control That Christ (yes, He has) has regarded my helpless estate, And has shed His own blood for my soul. It is well...With my soul..
It is well, it is well with my soul.”It is said as Ann saw her daughters going down, she said, “God gave me four daughters. Now they have been taken from me. Someday I will understand.” And, indeed, “It is well with my soul” was God’s gift to all of mankind through a tragedy.
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of heaven, sometimes through tragedies, it is difficult to understand or appreciate the moment; but as the song goes, whatever the difficulty may be, “Its well with my soul” for you are with me, no matter! This I pray in Jesus’ name!
