In the nineteenth century, God used Robert E. Lee to teach us that duty and honor are important in the Christian life.

VERSE. 

“We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty” (Luke 17:10). 

QUOTE. 

“I can only say that I am nothing but a poor sinner, trusting in Christ alone for salvation” (Robert E. Lee). 

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Robert E. Lee, As Pure as a Virgin and Grand as Achilles - The Nineteenth Century (pt.7)

In an age of national division, war, and reconstruction, Christ raised up men of character who displayed Christian duty and honor even amid conflict. One such man was Robert Edward Lee, whose life of discipline, courage, humility, and postwar reconciliation continues to instruct believers in what it means to live faithfully under providence. Through Lee’s example of duty, manly resolve, personal responsibility, and promotion of Christian education, Christ reminded His church that true greatness lies in humble obedience to God. 

Robert E. Lee (1807-1870)

Robert Edward Lee was born on January 19, 1807, at Stratford Hall Plantation in Westmoreland County, Virginia, the son of Henry “Light-Horse Harry” Lee III, a Revolutionary War hero and former governor, and Ann Hill Carter Lee, into a distinguished but financially troubled Virginia family where duty, honor, and Christian faith were instilled from an early age (Freeman 1934–1935, 1:1–12). Lee was born into a prominent Virginia family steeped in duty and faith. As a youth he entered the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1825, graduating second in the class of 1829 with no demerits, earning the nickname “Marble Model” for his discipline and character; he was commissioned into the Corps of Engineers and began a distinguished career building fortifications while marrying Mary Anna Randolph Custis in 1831, great-granddaughter of Martha Washington (Freeman 1934–1935, 1:78–89). Lee excelled at West Point and embraced a life of military duty.

  In the Mexican-American War of 1846–1848 he served with distinction under General Winfield Scott, earning brevet promotions for gallantry at Cerro Gordo, Contreras, and Chapultepec despite heavy fire; he later supervised engineering projects and commanded the force that captured John Brown at Harpers Ferry in 1859, all while wrestling with national tensions over slavery and union (Freeman 1934–1935, 1:234–267). Lee answered the call to Mexico with bold courage and skill. With Virginia’s secession in 1861, Colonel Lee faced the agonizing choice between the Union he had served for thirty-two years and loyalty to his native state; declining command of Federal forces, he resigned and accepted command of Virginia’s troops, soon becoming a key Confederate general, moving his family from Arlington as war engulfed the land (Freeman 1934–1935, 1:415–430). Lee chose Virginia and took up the cause of the South.

  In 1862 he assumed command of the Army of Northern Virginia, driving back McClellan in the Seven Days’ Battles, winning decisively at Second Manassas, and standing firm at Fredericksburg despite overwhelming odds; though wounded in spirit by the costly stalemate at Antietam, Lee inspired his men with tactical brilliance and personal courage amid cannon fire and hardship (Freeman 1934–1935, 2:1–156). Lee led his army to victory in the East and inspired undaunted loyalty. In 1863 he launched the invasion of Pennsylvania, seeking decisive victory, but met defeat at Gettysburg after three days of fierce fighting; undeterred, Lee conducted a masterful retreat and later defended Virginia tenaciously against Grant’s Overland Campaign in 1864, enduring heavy losses while prolonging Southern hopes through brilliant maneuvers (Freeman 1934–1935, 3:1–189). Lee carried the war north and defended Virginia with tenacity.

  By early 1865, facing overwhelming numbers and supply shortages, Lee’s army was besieged at Petersburg; on April 9 at Appomattox Court House he surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant with dignity, ending major combat and urging his men to return home as good Americans, his heart heavy yet committed to peace (Freeman 1934–1935, 4:1–89). Lee endured the great bereavement of surrender with honor. Known as the revered commander of the Army of Northern Virginia and a symbol of Southern valor, Lee spent the war years separated from family, losing properties including Arlington, which became a national cemetery; he and Mary had seven children—three sons who served in the Confederate army—enduring the trials of separation and loss while maintaining devout prayer and trust in Providence (Freeman 1934–1935, 4:156–178). Lee became the beloved leader of the Confederacy and a model of Christian character.

  After the war, Lee accepted the presidency of Washington College in Lexington, Virginia, in 1865, promoting reconciliation, honor, and practical education while living modestly; he died on October 12, 1870, after a stroke, with reported final words invoking duty and command, his body laid to rest in Lexington amid national mourning (Freeman 1934–1935, 4:512–523). Lee finished his course in service and reconciliation. Lee’s legacy endures as one of America’s most skilled and honorable military leaders, a man of deep Christian faith whose courage, dignity in defeat, and call to reconciliation continue to challenge generations; his story of duty, loss, perseverance, and postwar service remains a powerful testament to character amid national division (Freeman 1934–1935, 4:534). Lee’s legacy is duty, honor, and reconciliation in a divided land.

Theological Lessons from Robert E. Lee

Robert E. Lee’s life teaches four enduring lessons for Christ’s church.

  First, Lee teaches us to be holy in all of life. Everyone say, “Lee teaches us to be holy in all of life.” He was described as “modest and pure as a virgin in thought” (Hill, quoted in Freeman 1934–1935, 4:490). Scripture commands, “You shall be holy, for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16). Lee’s personal discipline and moral integrity reflected a life lived consciously before God.

  Second, Lee teaches men to be able to fight. Everyone say, “Lee teaches men to be able to fight.” Like Joshua charged his men, “Do not be afraid or dismayed; be strong and courageous” (Joshua 10:25). Lee displayed courage under fire in Mexico, at Gettysburg, and throughout the war, modeling the manly resolve Scripture requires of those called to protect family, church, and the innocent.

  Third, Lee teaches us to take responsibility. Everyone say, “Lee teaches us to take responsibility.” After the defeat at Gettysburg, when wounded soldiers limped back across the battlefield, Lee declared, “It is all my fault, all my fault, all my fault” (Freeman 1934–1935, 3:134). This stands in stark contrast to Adam’s blame-shifting in the garden (Genesis 3:12–13). True leadership owns failure rather than shifting blame.

  Fourth, Lee teaches us to promote Christianity and education. Everyone say, “Lee teaches us to promote Christianity and education.” As president of Washington College, he oversaw the construction of a chapel and emphasized Christian character in education. He wrote, “In all my perplexities and distresses, the Bible has never failed to give me light and strength” (Jones 1875, 157). Lee understood that Christ must be preeminent in every sphere of life (Colossians 1:18).

Conclusion: Christ’s Victory in the Nineteenth Century

In the nineteenth century, God used Robert E. Lee to teach us that Christian duty and honor are important in the Christian life. From the halls of West Point to the fields of Virginia and the lecture rooms of Washington College, Lee lived with integrity, courage, responsibility, and devotion to Christ. Though placed in one of the most tragic conflicts in American history, he sought to honor God through duty and, in defeat, pursued reconciliation rather than bitterness.

  Let us learn from Lee: pursue holiness in all of life, cultivate manly courage for the sake of those we love, take full responsibility when we fail, and promote the cause of Christ and sound education in our generation. May we, like him, live with the conviction that “Duty is the sublimest word in the English language” (Lee to his son, 1852; Freeman 1934–1935, 1:372). Christ is still building His church. He is still conquering the nations through faithful men and women who honor Him in their calling. Let us live boldly, knowing His kingdom advances, unstoppable, until it fills the earth. Amen.

MEMORY VERSE. “We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty” (Luke 17:10). 

MEMORY QUOTE. “I can only say that I am nothing but a poor sinner, trusting in Christ alone for salvation” (Robert E. Lee). 

Bibliography

Freeman, Douglas Southall. R. E. Lee: A Biography. 4 vols. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1934–1935.

Jones, J. William. Personal Reminiscences of General Robert E. Lee. New York: D. Appleton and Company, 1875.