Mike Smith:
As George Washington began his public life, he recorded this parting advice given by his mother Mary: “Remember that God is our only sure trust. To Him, I commend you . . . My son, neglect not the duty of secret prayer.”

George Washington had a deep and abiding faith imparted to him by his mother’s teaching. He recognized that religion and morality are the essential source of character, since they teach men their moral obligations and create the conditions for a decent politics.

He also believed that a sense of individual religious obligation is necessary to support the oaths relied upon in a court of law. Washington is quoted as saying, “Of all the dispensations and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports.”

Faith and freedom go hand in hand.

Washington’s concept of religious liberty requires that politics be moral. This does not mean a formal union of church and state, but just the opposite: a moral and religious people ordering their affairs according to the guidance of religion.

Washington opposed religious tyranny and firmly believed that any person should be able to “worship the Deity according to the dictates of his own conscience.”

This moral framework set the example for future American presidents.

And until next time, I’m Mike Smith.