The summer of 1976 was a long and hot one in the Upstate of South Carolina. My father was an incumbent candidate in a historic election. The office to be filled was a county council seat represented by our family for almost two decades. My father and an African-American gentleman were vying for the same office.

Although my father was always seen as a fair and ethical man, many supporters urged him to participate in questionable and unethical campaign activities. But my father refrained from any activity that would damage his character. That didn’t go unnoticed by myself and others. Even though he lost the election, he did not compromise his reputation.

Henry Blackaby, in his book, “Spiritual Leadership,” states that what is lacking in American politics, religion and business are statesmen. A statesman is someone who stands for moral principles, even though that stance may be detrimental to his career or personal gain. How many true statesmen hold office in Washington or Columbia today? I cannot help but feel that my father’s moral stance during that 1976 election was rare, sadly.

Recently, Clemson University football coach Dabo Swinney has come under intense scrutiny for his pro-Christian stance. He and my father are role models who need to be the norm rather than the exception. During this month when we celebrate our country’s birthday, I hold men like Coach Swinney and my father in high regard, and I hope to carry on the example of Christian fatherhood and manhood. This example of true Christian manhood was what our founding fathers dreamed would dominate American culture. Happy Fourth of July, and may God bless America.

— Tommy Kelly is pastor of Varnville First Baptist Church and president of the South Carolina Baptist Convention.