Week 43 Day 4
Taking Responsibility
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope.
1 Timothy 1:1
Jesus, my Lord, I look to thee;
Where else can helpless sinners go?
Thy boundless love shall set me free
From all my wretchedness and woe.
Shortly after the Union’s loss of the second battle at Bull Run, Lincoln’s cabinet complained that it was General McClellan’s fault. They blamed him for not supporting field commander John Pope during the battle with enough men and resources, and they conjectured that McClellan abandoned Pope on purpose. Secretary of War Stanton was so furious that he demanded McClellan be dismissed. Lincoln responded coolly, “No, Mr. Secretary, the order was mine; and I will be responsible for it to the country.” This act illustrated the importance of taking responsibility when warranted. Lincoln had indeed made such an order, and he refused to let another man bear the burden. Lincoln’s decision to take responsibility helped to build the confidence of his cabinet and generals. They could trust that Lincoln wouldn’t “bail out” on them, that he would be honest and deal with integrity. It caused them to do the same.