How Strong Character Helped George Washington Protect America’s Freedom
In the spring of 1783, the American Revolutionary War was finally coming to an end. The people of America had fought long and hard for their freedom. Yet, even though victory was close, the future of the new United States was already being threatened.
The soldiers and officers in the Continental Army were exhausted and angry. They had fought many challenging battles, suffered through lots of illness and severe food and supply shortages, and saw many people die. Despite all their hard work and pain, Congress had failed to give them their promised pay. Some of the army officers began to plan a dangerous move. They talked about using the power of the army to force the government to pay them. A few even considered overthrowing the young democratic government entirely. It was a moment of true crisis. They had fought hard to win liberty, but now they were on the verge of destroying it.
George Washington, the commander-in-chief of the army, understood his men's anger. He had suffered alongside them for years and shared their frustration with Congress. But Washington also knew that using military force against their own government would ruin the republic of the United States before it could really begin.
Washington held tremendous influence over his men. If he had wanted to, he could have used their anger to seize power for himself and make himself a ruler or a king. Power was right there for the taking.
Instead, Washington chose the higher road of following God’s guidance to make decisions as a leader. God led him to choose patience and self-control. On March 15, 1783, he gathered his officers at Newburgh, New York, to confront them directly.
Speaking with both affection and conviction, Washington urged them to reject the anonymous calls for mutiny: “Let me conjure you, in the name of our common Country, as you value your own sacred honor, as you respect the rights of humanity, and as you regard the Military and National character of America, to express your utmost horror and detestation of the Man who wishes, under any specious pretenses, to overturn the liberties of our Country.”
Washington told the men that if they did what was right by staying committed to serving their country, they will set an inspiring example of strong leadership that comes from strong character: “You will give one more distinguished proof of unexampled patriotism and patient virtue, rising superior to the pressure of the most complicated sufferings; And you will, by the dignity of your Conduct, afford occasion for Posterity to say, when speaking of the glorious example you have exhibited to man kind, “had this day been wanting, the World had never seen the last stage of perfection to which human nature is capable of attaining.”
After delivering his speech, Washington pulled out a letter from a member of Congress to read to his men. As he opened the paper, he paused and reached into his pocket for a pair of reading glasses. That was the first time any of his officers had ever seen him wear glasses. In a quiet voice, Washington said: “Gentlemen, you will permit me to put on my spectacles, for I have grown not only gray, but almost blind in the service of my country." That simple comment broke the anger in the room. As Washington’s officers thought about the tremendous personal sacrifice their leader had made right alongside them, they were moved to tears.
Because Washington placed principle above ambition, the young United States survived its very first test.
What the Bible Teaches About Character and Humility
Washington’s historic choice points us to the Bible's wisdom. Throughout the Bible, God calls people to live holy lives. That includes developing a strong character that empowers us to choose integrity, humility, and self-control when we’re dealing with anger or the temptation to sin.
Proverbs 16:32 reminds us: "Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city." It takes physical strength to win a battle, but it takes spiritual strength to master our own desires. Washington showed spiritual strength when he refused to take advantage of a crisis for his own personal gain.
The Bible also gives us clear guidance on how we should handle power and influence in our daily lives when it urges us in Philippians 2:3-4: "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." When we choose humility over selfish ambition, we honor God and reflect God's love to those around us.
Ways We Can Live with Strong Character Today
While we're not leading an army or building a new country, we face choices between selfish desires and honorable duties every day. God gives each of us opportunities to choose character over convenience. Here are a few key ways we can follow Washington's inspiring example in our own lives:
- Put principle ahead of personal gain: When we face a challenging decision at work, with our families and friends, or in some other situation, we can ask ourselves what is motivating us to make the decision we’re considering. Do we want to make that decision because God is leading us to do so, or just because that choice would make the situation easy for us? Doing what’s right according to God’s principles may not reward us right away, but it will eventually benefit us by leading to God’s blessings. As Galatians 6:9 encourages us: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
- Practice self-control when we feel mistreated: When we feel ignored or unfair circumstances come our way (just like Washington’s officers experienced) we may feel like reacting in anger or even seeking revenge. But we can, and should, pray for wisdom, and ask the Holy Spirit to help us respond with patience and grace.
- Use our influence to help people: Every one of us influences other people, such as our children, coworkers, and friends. Instead of using our influence as leaders to control others, we can use it to help those around us as much as possible.
In conclusion, real leadership isn’t measured by how much control we have over others. What truly makes us leaders is how faithfully we serve God and the people God wants us to love. Washington showed us that when we choose to follow God and build strong character instead of just following our own ambition, we can experience the blessings of real freedom!
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This article is part of Salem Media's Foundations of Freedom series.
Originally published August 12, 2026.
