In Act and Word

Scripture References: Galatians 1:11; 2 Peter 3:15

Gouverneur Morris was one of our most important founding fathers. According to James Madison, the style and arrangement of the Constitution were his. Morris talked voluminously at the Constitutional Convention in 1787. But, as Catherine Drinker Bowen wrote, he also “had the courage to change his mind publicly when he saw himself in the wrong.” Having admitted his mistake, he then supported the measure that had convinced him of his error.

Christian leaders cannot surrender truth, but they can compromise opinions that are sometimes hastily formed or misinformed. Our homes, churches, and relationships would all benefit. Good opinions usually can exist side by side with better opinions. Where one must yield, good should surrender to better. Indeed, when better arguments demand abandonment of current opinions, only pride demands their retrenchment. We may not have Morris’ giftedness, but we should pray to acquire his disposition. We must certainly avoid the criticism leveled at Teddy Roosevelt—that he was born with his mind made up!

Courtesy of Speaker’s Sourcebook of New Illustrations by Virgil Hurley © 1995 by Word, Incorporated.
Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from the New King James Version®, NKJV © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.