The Chronicles of Snobbery; vol. #4

*C. S. Lewis said that modern man did not want to learn from the past any longer.  His arrogance had led him to believe that modernity was far superior to any thing that the past had to offer.  This he coined as "chronological snobbery."  Therefore, I have taken the time on Mondays to explore some of the lessons that we can learn from men and women of the past.  For if we do not look back, we cannot truly go forward.  

Contemplating the Battle of Gettysburg and the loss of more than 50,000 Union and Confederate soldiers on the bloodiest battle ground on U.S.  soil, we can see some of  the mistakes of both sides.  Do we throw up our hands and say that all war is a mistake, all battles are to be laid aside, or do we say that standing up for what we believe in is the best that life can offer us, no matter what the cost?  Let’s not go into the philosophical arguments for war, political ramifications of who was right or who was wrong, or even the theological debate for justice.  Let us examine the lives of some of the major players in this battle and draw a few humble conclusions.  Lee, as Jackson in the previous battle, was fighting for the principles that they had lived for all their lives.  Chamberlain (a Union soldier) too was fighting for the rights of men and women no matter what their skin color.  All these men were fighting and dieing for something they believed in.  Chamberlain said he had never felt more alive than in battle.  Why would anyone say that?  The freedom that goes along with standing up for what you believe, and knowing and demonstrating that you can die for those principles, is the most freeing experience life can offer you.  First you have to be able to lay down yourself for the sake of others.  This is what Christ did, as He left Heaven, and laid down His life for those He came to save, demonstrating God’s perfect character to a lost world.  That is what He bids us to do, to join Him in the most exciting, freeing, and joyful ride of all.  In the little things, don’t wait till you are in the midst of battle to think you will exhibit life giving strength, start now, with the laying aside of self with those that God has sovereignly put into your life.    

Philippians 2:1-11

Christ's Example of Humility

 “So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” O

            Robert E. Lee Quotes:

“Obedience to lawful authority is the foundation of manly character.”

               “Do your duty in all things. You cannot do more, you should never wish to do less you must study to be frank with the world: frankness is the child of honesty and courage. Say just what you mean to do on every occasion, and take it for granted that you mean to do right.”

“The education of a man is never completed until he dies.”

“We failed, but in the good providence of God apparent failure often proves a blessing.”

“Get correct views of life, and learn to see the world in its true light. It will enable you to live pleasantly, to do good, and, when summoned away, to leave without regret.” (Even Lee was concerned with world views!)

“Never do a wrong thing to make a friend or keep one.”

“You cannot be a true man until you learn to obey.”

“My trust is in the mercy and wisdom of a kind Providence, who ordereth all things for our good.”

Speaking of the endeavor of Washington College, "I shall be disappointed, sir, if I shall fail in the leading object that brought me here, unless the young men all become real Christians; and I wish you and others of your sacred profession to do all you can to accomplish this result."

  Robert E. Lee lost the Battle of Gettysburg, and of the War itself.  He very well could have given up at that point.  He could have felt such a sense of shame that it could have paralyzed him for the rest of his life.  He had a strong sense of the sovereign will of God in his life which propelled him forward to continue to invest his life in the lives of others.  He worked until he died, encouraging young men to have an impact for Christ.  He had a supernatural view of failure that I have yet to grasp.  

Sitting among the ashes......waiting.....Lynn