The US Constitution in Article II, Section 3, states, "The President shall from time to time give to Congress information of the State of the Union, and recommend to their consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient." We have come to call this speech the "State of the Union" address.
When Pres. Obama steps to the podium tonight, he will be following in the footsteps of Pres. Washington who delivered the very first "State of the Union" speech to Congress on January 8, 1790. Until Pres. Coolidge broadcast his words on radio in 1923, this speech had been delivered only through the newspapers. In 1947, Pres. Truman delivered the first televised address.
Besides giving the President's assessment of national conditions, the "State of the Union" address is also a platform for the president's hopes and plans for the nation. Pres. Washington's words stressed the unity of the states, Pres. Monroe explained what became known as the "Monroe Doctrine" to end western colonization, and Pres. Lincoln told the nation he wanted to end slavery. Such has been the importance of this annual event held the past 221 years.
What is the "State of Your Faith"? How would you assess the condition of your faith in Jesus Christ? What hopes and plans do you have for your relationship with God? Is once a year often enough to do this simple analysis? A great Bible teacher once wrote that studying the Ten Commandments is a good mirror to judge our actions. Considering how often we read the Bible, or pray, or help others in need, or attend public worship, we can, with the help of God, realize the "State of Our Faith."
It is helpful to take a regular spiritual inventory of our life, just as we check our bank account, service our car, or check our appearance in the mirror. Taking a longer spiritual look at ourselves in the mirror of God's Word can perhaps help us see what needs to be done, and with aid of the Holy Spirit, can give us courage to do what is "necessary and expedient" on our earthly journey.
God bless our native land; firm may she ever stand, through storm and night!
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