The Morning Dawn and the Darkest Night

Recently I attended a funeral for a very dear Christian friend. He was more than a friend; he was someone that you couldn’t help admiring. He was a true witness of Christ in the community. He would walk through the community and visit with the neighbors. He kept a stash of tracts in his pocket and as the spirit led he would share the good news. He never beat anyone up with his Bible but in his witty and kind way he would say just the right words to encourage and inspire. But it was his everyday life that was the true witness to all that knew him. In the 30 years I knew him I never hear an unkind word come from his mouth. Not only did he serve on various church boards, a long time Sunday school teacher, but worked earnestly with the youth group. He was the true servant. He was a regular at all worship services, evening study and midweek prayer service. If someone needed help he anticipated the need and would be there. He led by godly example. His wit and sense of humor never failed him even when his mind wasn’t as sharp as it once was. Many a smile was a result of his humor at the time when a smile was the best medicine. He had a way of knowing who was hurting and made it a point to seek them out to share a funny story or just to say hello and let them know he will be praying for them. He was the springtime after the long winter; he was the morning dawn after the darkest night. As I reflect upon his life and his actions, I find such a sharp contrast to those who manipulate our churches today. The manipulator’s life is far from being a witness to the community. His past and present is in darkness, unknown, and obscure. He leads a double life. He appears to be kind, loving, and sincere on the outside but is truly dark, secretive, and aggressive on the inside. The manipulator is no servant. He is someone who demands respect and honor. He leads with an iron fist and sharp words. The manipulator uses his Bible (proof texting) to beat people into submission. Mean and nasty words come out of his mouth when crossed. Instead of drawing people to Christ, the manipulator thinks nothing about driving people away and in fact, he prefers that especially if they begin to see through his disguise. The manipulator will lie without hesitating to promote his hidden agenda. When someone is hurting he looks to the situation as an opportunity to gain more control over the person because of their weakened state. His heart is the darkest, coldest night of winter. Image credits: www.evangelizafuerte.com