Psalm 45:1 My
heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue
is the pen of a skillful writer. (NIV)
I’m currently reading a biography of John Quincy Adams –
my favorite US President. The book is called ‘Memoir
of the Life of John Quincy Adams,’ which was written by one of his
relatives, Josiah Quincy. The book contains many sections of the speeches and
writings of JQA, especially the ones he wrote and gave after he left the Presidency.
In my opinion, he was the most intelligent President we have ever had and much
of his writing reflects the breadth of his international experiences, as well
as his love of classical books.
JQA was a fierce opponent of slavery and a strong
advocate for the liberty of all people, especially where their rights to petition
or protest had been suppressed or ignored. When he gave a speech in Congress,
his words were often jeered by his opponents, but JQA’s perseverance and great
command of language enabled him to strongly express what needed to be changed about
how the American people were governed. He fought continuously against the
notorious Gag Rule of 1835 which unjustly, as well as unconstitutionally, tabled
and silenced any petitions against slavery in the House of Representatives. This
disreputable procedure was introduced by James Polk from Tennessee and
practiced for nine inglorious years during which JQA constantly railed against
it in Congress, at public gatherings, and in the newspapers. Eventually, both
his tongue and pen overcame the fierce opposition, leading the way toward
ending slavery in the US.
In this post-modern age of superficial sound bites, snap
chat, and jingoism, we need solid speeches, effective writing, and committed
leaders to keep us on a path which will advance life, liberty, and the pursuit
of happiness for everyone. JQA fully understood why universal equality was so
important because he saw it as an inalienable right given to us by God. As he
once wrote, ‘Quench not the spirit of freedom. Let it go forth, not in the panoply
of fleshly wisdom, but with the promise of peace, and the voice of persuasion,
clad in the whole armor of truth, conquering and to conquer.’
As people of faith, we have an opportunity to make our
congregations, communities, and countries much better places by promoting
Christ’s teaching and truth, rejecting what is false and unjust, and writing
about or expressing our beliefs in ways that are kind, loving, and full of
hope. If we are willing to do these things, then our tongues and pens will no
longer be weapons of division and disunity, but will effectively become
channels of God’s mercy and instruments of peace.
Point to ponder
What things can I write, say, or do which will promote
peace and advance God’s love among my family and friends?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, help us to cherish Your ways and
communicate Your love to everyone we encounter today. Keep us from causing
division and enable us to promote Your peace. In your Holy Name, we humbly
pray. Amen.
John Stuart is the pastor
of Erin Presbyterian Church in
Knoxville, Tennessee. Come and join us for worship on Sundays at 11:00 AM.
You will be made very welcome 😊
Today’s image is one of
John’s Psalm drawings based on today’s Bible verse. If you would like to view a
larger version, please click this link: Psalm 45.
