Lincoln's Fire

Tuesday, February 2, 2021

When Abraham Lincoln was president, a delegation came to him with a written protest against Senator Baker, Lincoln's old and beloved friend. The objections were filled with personal attacks on Baker's character. Lincoln asked the delegation, "This is my paper which you have given me?" They assured him it was. "To do with as I please?" "Certainly, Mr. President." Lincoln leaned over the fireplace and calmly burned up the paper with all its accusations. Lincoln didn't have time to listen to gossip. He knew life was too short. He knew how destructive it was. The only use he had for it was as fuel for his fireplace. You need to do the same. Too many of us listen to gossip and dwell on improper and hurtful things. We're polite and don't want to hurt the gossiper's feelings, so we listen as they tear apart another person. You need to do what Lincoln did. Burn up that gossip. Don't even deal with it. Destroy it from your lips and memory. Abraham Lincoln was a great man. Part of the reason was that he had a great fireplace. Do likewise.

From Message #401 - As God Has Forgiven