Complimenting the Living
As I was pulling out of the parking lot at ACU after our board meeting yesterday, I received a phone call from a friend. He asked if I heard the news: that Jerry Folwell had died. My first words to my friend were, "He stood boldly for the Lord and his convictions."
I noticed in the paper today how several people were quoted in the wake of Folwell's death. They all said something positive about him, even though they didn't agree with him in everything. Even the porn king, Larry Flynt, told of how he and Jerry met years after the lawsuit trial and became friends.
One of the stories that came to me immediately was what I heard Jim Bakker say. After his scandal with the PTL club that led him to a prison term, he received a visit from his friend Jerry. Jim told of how Folwell ministered to him so deeply.
I wasn't a big fan of Folwell's politics, but I did like to see and hear him preach on T.V. His focus was on Christ and he always urged people to accept Jesus as their Savior.
All of this brought this question to my mind: Why is it that too often we wait to say something nice about someone until they die? Why can't we compliment the living more?
It's so easy to be a critic and look for the bad in others. Quite frankly, it makes me feel proud when I criticize others. That is the snare of criticism. It can so easily lead to the sins of pride and
cynicism.
But to find something good to say about someone comes from a humble stance. And helps us take the high road of staying positive.
So I thank the Lord for the tremendous impact that He had through His servant, Jerry Folwell. And I pray that I'll look for the good in everyone around me so that I'll affirm them while they're still living...and learn something good from everyone I meet.
Jim
posted by Jim Clark @ 8:10 AM
3 comments
3 Comments:
you are right on Jim. the cynicism of today is magnified by mass market media (TV, radio, internet) as well as the explosion of blogs, I would say. everyone can proclaim their opinion, and too often we're negative and pointing out the splinters in the lives of others.
what a simple inclination, compliment the living more. I find this very much in line with the ryhthm of Jesus' life and ministry. thanks for your words today
In principle, what you say seems easier to do when that living person, like a Falwell, practices their Christian faith outside the CofC. But in reality, the CofC is much harder on those who come from its own folds.
I doubt Falwell's death will change that. But it's a really nice sentiment. Sorry if I'm too sceptic, but once bitten, twice shy...
Thanks, Chris. I've just found that it's so much easier to be a cynic and a critic than to accentuate the positive. And of course this leads to pride (or is it rooted in pride?)
I think our flesh is bent towards cynicism, which is why we need to "put to death the deeds of the flesh" each day, as God's word says.
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