Sincerity Testimonials

A Case of Being Sincerely Wrong

Benedict Arnold: America’s Most Famous Traitor

Selfishness and insincerity marked Benedict Arnold’s life. A rebellious Connecticut youth, he grew into an ardent American patriot. Arnold’s achievements for America’s birth include the capture of Fort Ticonderoga, leading a force through the hostile wilderness to attack Quebec, and a significant victory at Saratoga. However, he was often overlooked by Congress for both promotions and compensation. This led to bitter feelings toward Congress and anyone else who under-appreciated his efforts for the Cause.

Washington appointed Arnold commander of Philadelphia in 1778. There he married a young Philadelphia socialite and entered the swirl of extravagant society. As Arnold’s debts began to mount and enemies sought his court-martial, he began negotiating with the British to defect. Arnold would do anything to get what he wanted, including sacrificing the trust and lives of others, even his close friend, Washington. The British promised him power and wealth if he would betray the garrison at West Point. Fortunately, the Army soon discovered the plot and Arnold fled to the British. His treason could have cost America the war, but that was acceptable to him as long as he received the power and money he craved. Never completely trusted, he died in obscurity in England.

Jephthah’s Vow

Judges 11 tells a tragic story of one man’s rash words, Jephthah. Jephthah lead Israel into war against the Ammonites, who were trying to take land back from Israel. As he advanced against the Ammonites, Jephthah made a vow before the LORD that brought horrific consequences to his life. He announced to God that he would sacrifice the first thing to come out of the door of his house, if God would destroy the Ammonites for him. Soon after, Jephthah defeated Ammon and returned to his home.

Tragically, Jephthah’s daughter was the first to come out of his house. Horrified, but believing that he must carry through with his vow, Jephthah apparently fulfilled his vow. Judges highlights the rashness of his words and his inability to think before speaking his vow. Jephthah learned tragically the cost of not thinking while speaking sincerely.

Roger Sherman: A Man of Sincere Character

Roger Sherman was one of America’s foremost founding fathers.  The son of a Connecticut farmer, he was a self-taught lawyer.  He was also a shoemaker, storekeeper, surveyor, town clerk, judge, and representative to several legislative bodies, besides being the father of fifteen children and the caretaker of his widowed mother.  Sherman took his faith seriously, regularly studying the Bible and seeking to mold his character to its principles.

It was this solid character that made him such a respected man in both the Continental Congress and the Constitutional Convention.  A committed patriot, he was selected as a member of the committee that drafted the Declaration of Independence.  His wisdom, integrity, and determination to do right led him to investigate every issue thoroughly and seek the best solution, a critically important characteristic for the foundation of the new nation.  He was never afraid to speak the truth and did so often, especially during the Constitutional Convention, where he was an outspoken advocate for the rights of the smaller states.  His persistence resulted in the system of government we enjoy today.

Sherman died at the age of 72, closing a life sincerely devoted to the bettering of his country and service to his God.