The Beacon Article 3_10_10

Willie Carter, a great man in my eyes. I am sure you don’t know him. He had a son named Jimmy (no not the president, Jimmy was my uncle). What made Mr. Carter a great man one may ask? Well he was honest, he had integrity and character. A meticulous carpenter people sought him out to build their own house.
He was ordained into the ministry of the Gospel of Jesus Christ by Muddy River Baptist Church. It was in a day when microphones were unheard of. I don’t think they had been invented yet or at least they were only used by radio stations. Mr. Carter was a very soft spoken man, yet when he spoke his words of wisdom demanded respect.
My grandfather left the ministry for some reason. I was always told it was because people couldn’t hear him when he preached. I hope that is so. I know he never turned his back on God. He never lost faith.
I remember him falling asleep daily reading his bible, while sitting in a naugahyde chair. It took me years to learn that I couldn’t’ go hunting for Naugas, that the chair was made from vinyl.
Oh! I digress.
Character, Mr. Carter (Willie to some, daddy to others but he will always be papaw to me) was the epitome of character. He demonstrated the love of Christ to everyone he met. You see he had many trials and tribulations in his life. My aunt Betty (whom I never knew) was taken from my grandparents at the age of two. His last days were filled with the pain of multiple heart attacks. He never complained.
I think that’s why I love our church so much. The elderly members of our church never complain. They remind me of him.
In Romans 5:1-5 we find how character is built:
5:1Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God
through our LordJesus Christ,
2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we
stand,and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that
tribulation produces perseverance;
4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope.
5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured
out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
I hope you rejoice in your character building exercises.
Keep the faith and hope as God builds your house of character. .



With the Love of Christ
Deacon Dan
John 3:30