Where Are You Going?

Where Are You Going?

Jesus [said], “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.”

John 14:6

When Abraham Lincoln ran for Congress as a Whig in 1846, an evangelical Methodist, Peter Cartwright, ran against him as a Democrat. During the extended and heated campaign, Cartwright was preaching in a religious meeting, and Lincoln decided to attend.

At the end of a long and stirring sermon, Cartwright extended the invitation to all who were in attendance by asking them to stand up if they wished to go to heaven. In response, a few people timidly stood up.

Not to be daunted by the weak response, Cartwright then said with force, “Now, all those who do not wish to go to hell please stand!”

As one would expect at such an invitation, and not wanting to be in the minority, the rest of the audience rose to their feet, except for Abraham Lincoln, who quietly remained seated and unperturbed by Cartwright’s invitation.

Cartwright saw an opportunity to embarrass his political rival and said, “May I inquire of you, Mr. Lincoln, where you are going?”

Lincoln then rose to his full, imposing height and said calmly, “I came here as a respectful listener. I did not know I was to be singled out by Brother Cartwright. I believe in treating religious matters with due solemnity. I admit that the questions propounded by Brother Cartwright are of great importance. I did not feel called upon to answer as the rest did. Brother Cartwright asked me directly where I am going. I desire to reply with equal directness: I am going to Congress!”

Father, I pray that I will always be aware of where I am going in life. I know that your Son will continue to lead me as I put my trust in him. Thank you for giving me heaven as my eternal destination. Amen.