He’s A Good Man

My friend John is 88 today. I knew him well, served with him on our church Leadership Team. I remember many conversations – his kindness, generosity, wisdom; he always spoke positively of people and understood their needs. He’s a good man.

Discussions about Boris Johnson continue. Some focus on his achievements, others on his character. Is he a good man who’s been misjudged and let down? A bad man who’s done good things? A bad man who’s words and actions cannot be justified or condoned?

Yesterday at church Danny talked about church leaders:

‘…A church leader must be a man whose life is above reproach. He must be faithful to his wife. He must exercise self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation. He must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must be able to teach. He must not be a heavy drinker or be violent. He must be gentle, not quarrelsome, and not love money…’ (1 Timothy 3:2-3)

According to St Paul’s criteria, (gender issues aside,) character is more important than gifts, talents or achievements.

Musing…This morning’s parable…

‘There was a small town with only a few people, and a great king came with his army and besieged it. A poor, wise man knew how to save the town, and so it was rescued. But afterward no one thought to thank him. So even though wisdom is better than strength, those who are wise will be despised if they are poor.’ (Ecclesiastes 9:14-16)

Musing…

…I’ll always remember and value John’s goodness and character, more than his many significant achievements.

…National leaders should be men and women who demonstrate honesty, integrity, justice and compassion both in their policies and in their lives.

…Church leaders teach more by their lives than their words. They lead more by example than directive.

…The poor man was forgotten, but he was still wise and good.

…My character is more important than my achievements; being a good man is more important than discussing it.