Abraham Lincoln was one of our greatest presidents. He came from humble circumstances and through hard work, achieved greatness. He had problems (we all do) but overcame them. His work ethic and attitude toward government should be an example to all. It immediately made me think of this passage from the book of 2nd Thessalonians.
2 Thessalonians, Chapter 3
6 Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw yourselves from every brother who walks in rebellion, and not after the tradition which they received from us. 7 For you know how you ought to imitate us. For we didn’t behave ourselves rebelliously among you, 8 neither did we eat bread from anyone’s hand without paying for it, but in labor and travail worked night and day, that we might not burden any of you; 9 not because we don’t have the right, but to make ourselves an example to you, that you should imitate us. 10 For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: “If anyone will not work, neither let him eat.” 11 For we hear of some who walk among you in rebellion, who don’t work at all, but are busybodies. 12 Now those who are that way, we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.
It is fashionable today to think that Americans have a right to receive money for nothing for ever. I do not subscribe to that philosophy!!! In fairness, there are times when we could use some help, but unless there is a permanent disablement, welfare should be for a limited time. Read verse ten above for the apostles attitude towards work!!! Those who would not work were labeled as rebellious and exhorted to earn their own bread. We can learn a lot from the past; from those who we might appropriately label "great". I just wish America would get with the program!!!