Faith in the Father

George Washington was America’s first president and, next to Abraham Lincoln, perhaps the finest we’ve ever had. Though much younger than many of the other Founding Fathers, he quickly became the one the others looked to for outstanding character and leadership.

It’s been said that when George Washington’s mother was asked how she raised such a remarkable son, she replied, “I taught him to obey.” George’s father was said to have told his son, “It is not sufficient just to obey, you must learn to obey cheerfully.”

From the earliest age, George was taught to accept responsibility for his actions. He was taught to always wait patiently while his elders conducted their affairs. He learned to be quiet when elders were talking. He learned that Dad was the head of the house and that his decision was final. For George, there were definite penalties for inappropriate action—most notably, spanking.

In The Making of George Washington, William Wilbur wrote, “It is worth noting that there were no negative influences in the home, no relatives who lived with the family who might modify or dilute the thoughts and principles which August [George’s father] gave his children every day.”

George grew up in a solid family. August was a father who understood that he and his wife were most responsible for the future growth and development of their son.

“Perhaps the most important factor of this fine home,” Wilbur noted, “was Mary’s cheerful acceptance of her husband’s leadership. The reason for this happy situation can be found in the teaching and philosophy of the church and society of that era.”

He went on to quote Ephesians 5 and 1 Peter 3, which outline the God-ordained roles in the family.

Concerning George’s mom, Wilbur wrote, “Not only did she do her part to create a happy home, she also made it possible for George to develop complete faith in his father.”

She taught her son to obey—and she set a beautiful example herself by cheerfully accepting her husband’s leadership. What a blessing this was for young George. He learned obedience from his parents by what they taught—and by their example. Because of that obedience instilled in George from an early age—and because of how serious his parents viewed their responsibility to teach their children—George’s path toward greatness was a short one. His learning curve was steep.

“It is difficult to overestimate the value of this gift of complete trust,” Wilbur wrote. “Because of it the boy accepted and absorbed a large store of his father’s wisdom. Equally important, as a result of the fact that George accepted everything his father said without question, the knowledge he acquired was absorbed at a fraction of the time which would have been required under other conditions. As a consequence, George matured more rapidly than the average child.”

What a wonderful blessing it is for children to grow up in a functional home where two parents faithfully embrace their God-given roles.