My thoughts on the bio of Stonewall Jackson, by Robert Dabney, Chapter III – In Mexico

I’m enjoying this excellent biography, the Life and Campaigns of Stonewall Jackson, written by his Chaplain, Robert L. Dabney (a Confederate States Army chaplain, and reformed Theologian). The following are some excerpts, as well as my thoughts and applications.

Chapter III – In Mexico

During the Mexican War of the 1840s, then ‘Major’ Jackson received the hospitality of a Mexican family. At that time Jackson’s faith wasn’t certain (yet), but he had enough integrity to avoid his attraction to beautiful Mexican women.

“One family especially among his Spanish acquaintances extending to him a hospitality for which he was always grateful, and it possessed the attraction of several charming daughters. He confessed, years later, that he found it advisable to discontinue his visits there; and when asked the reason, said with a blush, that he found the fascination of some of the female charms which he met there was likely to become too strong for his prudence, unless he escaped them in good time…” 

Though the author did not mention 1 Corinthians 10:13, this was a perfect example of fleeing temptation (or even potential temptations). 

I now believe in stronger boundaries surrounding a marriage. When cell phones came along (or my business line), those boundary lines became greyer and less clear, as I thought it normal to give another woman my cell number, or vice versa. 

However, I repented, and it has become my personal conviction to only give females “our” home phone number, a landline that belongs to my wife and me, and where I cannot receive private texts.

Years back, as a pastor, while I was out of town. a male member of our church became hospitalized. Understandably so, my cell number was given to his wife. Though our conversation was always above reproach, I felt very awkward. Besides, you don’t need a pastor/elder to visit the sick. Deacons are called to serve, so the pastors/elders can lead. 

 “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” – 1 Corinthians 10:13

For more of my observations of this biography, click on my Stonewall Jackson tag. Semper Reformanda!