Christian Living

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Larry Lilly's Letter Tuesday November 8, 2005

Yesterday two friends and I took a little trip to attend the monthly meeting of the Wabash Valley Pastor's Prayer Breakfast. I have been attending this gourmet breakfast for near 30 years when I am not in another state speaking or otherwise detained. All three of us have been walking on the earth for at least six decades and for most of that number have walked with the Lord as clergypersons. The breakfast was good, but the trip about 45 miles was a gem.

One of the pastors wanted to tell us his troubles, the other wanted share hilarious stories, and I, as you might know, simply wanted to pray and be spiritual. Ha.

To say that the car was carrying three men with scars is to totally fail to understand the life of aging pastors. Yet, we didn't spend much time on our scars, but talked of the people along the way who had been and are being blessings to us now. We also expressed thanks for the Lord opening the hearts of many people over the years to the truth of Christ as preached Him in His glory as we understand it, though we admitted to doing so with stammering tongue.

One of the men, Joe Sollars stated a truth upon which Joe Dayhuff and I both gave a hearty amen. Joe S. said:

"Count on people and the devil will send some or at least one to discourage you."

I know I have been prone to look to man, especially to men who are considered outstanding Christian leaders. When the clay in their feet comes to light, I have shed more than one tear and felt to searing heartbreak of disappointment in a spiritual hero. It started almost immediately after my conversion. We got off of that subject rather quickly as to dwell there too long would lead to despair.

I don't know about Joe and Joe, but as we drove, a quietness came over us, as this quiet got thicker, I was thinking:

“Larry, you know you have been the one to come along and disappoint people on more than one occasion.”

It is much more ego enhancing to pout about the low life's who have disappointed you than to have to listen as God plays the sad song of your own 'mistakes.' Others sin, I make mistakes. Not nearly as painful but painful enough to keep you humble at least for a short journey.

Of course being Baptist preachers, we did not let our hair down and also because the only one with enough hair to speak of was Pastor Sollars. I think he had some kind of European treatment for his hair. Dr. Dayhuff and I are satisfied with the skin the Lord placed on our heads.

When all is said and done, I would rather be disappointed in a Brother or Sister than to be the one who disappoints.

How about it, do you stop and think, even pray before doing something that will disappoint another struggling soul along life's already tough path? Jesus will help you to be a blessing.

Larry Lilly Copyright © 2005 Use with credit.

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