“…every man at his best state is altogether vanity.” Psalm 39:5
John Adams was vain, writes Denise Kiernan in the book Signing Their Lives Away. Because of his keen intellect he was almost always right, and he knew it. Thus, the ego, the arrogance. If the synonyms for the word vain are accurate, he was “stuck up,” “high-and-mighty,” “ostentatious,” and “cocky.” He lacked tactfulness and seemed to delight in berating those who dared to challenge him.
David writes that we are all this way even in our best state. We can thank God that he doesn’t give up on us and that he has the ability to use us despite our faults, while at the same time changing our character into his likeness through the power of his spirit. David might know something about that. Perhaps, also, might John Adams.
Adams overcame his faults to become the completely dedicated, driving force for American Independence. He has even been called the “Atlas” of Independence because of his leadership and influence. Apparently, Kiernan writes, his arrogance was “enlightened.” He knew his faults and had a sense of self-awareness. Somehow, he overcame his vanity to the point that he “let others take credit (for his thoughts and actions) in order to reach his ultimate goal.” That is a life-lesson worth remembering about the man who went on to become the first Vice-President and second President of the United States.
(For more information on Sam Adams and the other signers of the Declaration of Independence, see Denise Kiernan, Signing Their Lives Away, 2009)
