National Bible Week

Floor Speech

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Mr. ESTES. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend and fellow colleague from Colorado, Representative Lamborn, for hosting this Special Order tonight as we honor National Bible Week.

Every President since Franklin Delano Roosevelt inaugurated the first one in 1941, every President has since declared the week of Thanksgiving as National Bible Week. It follows a long history, stretching back to the founding of our country, of our leaders turning to their faith and the Bible as guidance for our Nation.

This is just as important now as it was at our country's founding and in the midst of terrible world wars.

This week, I am reminded of a passage in Luke 17, verses 5 through 6: ``The apostles said to the Lord, `Increase our faith.' The Lord replied, `If you have the faith the size of a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, ``Be uprooted and planted in the sea,'' and it would obey you.'''

And also in Luke 17, verse 10, ``So it should be with you. When you have done all you have been commanded, say, `We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.'''

In this passage, Jesus' apostles plead for more faith to make it easier for them to sacrifice and to do all that they have been asked to do. But Jesus answers them by pointing out that, if they had only the tiniest bit of faith--that, the size of a mustard seed--no task would be too difficult. This included even the apostles' seemingly impossible task to ``go out and make disciples of all nations.''

But instead of increasing the measure of their faith, Jesus tells his apostles to humble themselves and be steadfast in accomplishing all that was asked of them.

As public servants and representatives, I believe we, too, are called to humble ourselves and to be unwavering in serving our fellow Americans. The American people have put their trust in us to preserve our democracy, protect our God-given rights, defend our country, and champion the American Dream. This is not an easy task. But, as Jesus pointed out, anything is possible if we humble ourselves, do our job, and have faith.

I know for me, personally, I rely on teachings like this one in the Bible to better serve my fellow Kansans and our country.

I am also thankful to live in a country where we are free to practice our faith, as well as to all the Americans who have served to protect this freedom.

As we approach National Bible Week, I hope my colleagues and all Americans, regardless of their faith background, take some time to reflect on their own calling to serve, as well as the gift of religious liberty.

Like the Bible, public service and religious liberty are cornerstones of our country, and I am honored to recognize those here tonight and throughout National Bible Week.

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