North Central District 

Building People While We Build Machines

I will give thee two thousand horses, if thou be able on thy part to set riders upon them.---2 Kings 18:23 ARV

The ability of America to build machines has been demonstrated in these days in a manner to surprise the most optimistic.  Planes, ships, guns, motors--every type of equipment is rolling off our plants by thousands.  When schedules were first announced, the nation was doubtful whether they could be met, but this question mark has been removed.

While all America rejoices to see the mechanical part of our nation's defense making such marvelous strides, it is well for us to study again one of history's most often repeated lessons.  The shores of human history are lined with the wreckage of nations who have developed the power to build things and have fallen short in the far more important task of building people.  Little of permanent good or permanent strength will come to us if we have "two thousand horses" and lack the riders to set upon them.

Beginning with George Washington, our greatest patriots have realized the importance of religion in its relation to national permanence.  Christianity and democracy are inseparable.  Both grow in a common soil, and neither can thrive without the presence of the other.  Spiritual character is as necessary to America today as planes and battleships.

GOD OF OUR FATHERS, we bow in gratitude before Thee for the gifts of iron and steel and material things, and for the ability of our people to weld these into the implements we need in defense of our nation.  Grant us to see that without spiritual power and character, these will not suffice to make us and keep us free.  Help us in our daily life to remember that "blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord."  We ask in Christ's name. Amen.