A Humble Christian Man

One of the humblest Christian men I know of is also very prominent in American history. Five of his near kinsmen signed the Declaration of Independence, his father was one of Washington's best generals during the War for American Independence and his father was also instrumental in Virginia's ratification of the Constitution. This same man married the daughter of George Washington’s adopted son.

The man in question decided on a career in the military, and graduated second in his class at Westpoint. He was eventually offered the most important command in the U.S. Army. He declined the job and resigned his commission because he believed duty demanded it. He did this because he believed that one must do his duty no matter what the personal cost may be.

He was a man that always led his family in worship when he was home. He pointed his children to Jesus and looked to and trusted in Christ his saviour in all that happened. He is a man that suffered great tragedy and lost his home, all material wealth, and yet his faith increased and prospered through it all.

Here is part of a letter he wrote his wife. He was, at the time, in the middle of a horrible war defending his country from invasion. He wrote the following after receiving news of the death of his beloved daughter:

I cannot express the anguish I feel at the death of my sweet Annie. To know that I shall never see her again on this earth is agonizing in the extreme. But God in this, as in all things, has mingled mercy with the blow, in selecting that one best prepared to leave us. May you be able to say with me, 'his will be done.'

Robert E. Lee bowed humbly before our Lord in all things. His life is a wonderful testimony of Christian virtue, love and sacrifice. There are few men as noble or as humble in all of American history as General Lee.

Soli Deo Gloria,
Kenith