Cornerstone

Matthew 19:16‑22 (22)

He drove me down the streets of the exquisitely exclusive neighborhood in one of his new BMWs.  He showed me the streets that were named for his children.  He told me of his investments.  He made sure that I felt insignificant by telling me how with his doctorate he had gained fortunate and notoriety. He assured me that now that I had my doctorate I should go back to school and get a doctorate that would make me some money. He scoffed when I made mention that there must be a lot of millionaires in that neighborhood in order to own the houses I admired.  “What’s a million,” he said and drove into the drive of his palatial property.

I have often thought of that visit with my friend.  And yet I can’t block out memories of the time I met the same man in an expensive hotel so that he couldn’t unburden his heartache.  He had lost his wife, his children were not turning out as he had planned, and the story of hurt continued.  The saddest part of this story is that this man was the son of a holiness preacher, knew God’s desire for his life and yet chose prestige, property, possession and popularity instead.  He had it all and yet he had nothing.  True value isn’t preceded by a dollar sign.

by Dr. Gayle Woods

II Kings 2:1‑12 (9)

Elijah the senior prophet made such a profound impression upon the junior prophet Elisha that when he died Elisha’s last request was that he could have a “double portion of his spirit.”  To want to be like someone is impressive.  To want to have their spirit doubled tells of the awesome influence Elijah wielded.

Quite often you can assume what people have made an impression on people by who they quote.  Sometimes this is even seen in physical mannerisms that are unknowingly assumed.  During my college days at Kansas City College and Bible School I was privileged to sit under the teaching of some men of great spiritual prowess.  I have noticed since those days that students who attended the college with me were marked by these men as well.  A pithy quote from Dr. Omar Lee is often tossed into a conversations by one of his former students.  Many are the stories that are shared in and out of the pulpit by Dr. Robert E. Carroll’s preacher boys.  The classes that began on our knees and continued on through the next period are memories that glow brightly.

To know people of spiritual stature is noteworthy.  To emulate them desiring to attain spiritual vistas that they were unable to reach is desirable.  “Lord, could we have a double portion of their spirit?”

by Dr. Gayle Woods