Christian Living

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PERSONS OF INTEREST


With the passing of time, certain persons seem to take on an iconic character. That is, they come to represent some critical feature of life. It is with this in mind that the following representative instances are cited.
They called him Old Red, since his once reddish hair had turned to gray. Having concluded my military duty during World War II, I was engaged in assisting two pastors in their larger parish ministry, and before attending college. Old Red resided in one of the rural communities served by my colleagues and for a more abbreviated time, with my assistance. Accordingly, I decided to pay Old Red a visit.
“I know more about Scripture than you,” he shortly informed me. I did not challenge his appraisal, since I had only recently come to embrace the Christian faith. Even so, he had not made a profession of faith; nor did he intend to do so. “Don’t misunderstand me,” he continued. “It is not that God would refuse to accept me, but I no longer feel inclined to initiate a relationship.” This implied that he had previously been more disposed to do so, but having procrastinated no longer felt motivated.
In retrospect, this recalled C. S. Lewis’ observation: “Only God knows when more time will serve no good purpose.” Consequently, I tried to encourage Old Red to make the effort, but it was to no avail. He thus serves as a reminder of the serious nature of procrastination..
The second example is by way of contrast. Joe was an active lay leader in his local church. In this capacity, he lived an exemplary life. While in a humble manner, not calculated to call attention to himself.
On one occasion, he purchased an automobile. After which, he promptly dedicated it to the Lord’s service. For instance, he made a practice of inviting several elderly people to accompany him in a drive through the countryside on a Sunday afternoon. This was a welcomed reprieve from the restricted walk-up urban apartments in which they lived. He would take care to return in time for the evening service. This was in keeping with his conviction that he was called to follow Christ into community and service.
So are we reminded, “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord and on his law he meditates day and night” (Psa. 1:1-2). “The righteous are those who choose God’s way as opposed to their own. They do not negotiate life alone, whether from good intent or not, hoping for the best and inevitably falling short” (Morris Inch, Devotions With David: A Christian Legacy, p. 5).
“He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.” “In its season implies natural growth. Whose leaf does not wither suggests resistence to drought. Taken together, life characteristically prospers” (Ibid.). Consequently, Joe serves as a prime example of the righteous person.
A final example concerns a time our study tour was visiting the cite of one of the New Testament churches in Asia Minor. When a person inquired of me, “Are you Christians?” After I assured him that this was the case, he indicated: “I am the sole remaining Christian residing here.” While distressed by this fact, he was encouraged by the visit of those of like faith and commitment.
The last Christian! Which recalls the gospel lyrics, “I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back, no turning.” Whether in the company of others, or alone. No turning back, no turning back. Accordingly, this solitary individual provides a vivid case in point.
While the list could be readily extended, these three instances serve to illustrate how certain persons come to give concrete expression to abiding truths. Moreover, this provides an incentive for us to think further along this line. As expressed by the sage saying, “The past serves as prologue.”

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