Recently while looking through a stack of papers that had collected on the bookshelf in the garage, I found something precious, challenging, and meaningful to my heart. Immediately I recognized the handwriting on the stenographer’s note paper as being my precious dad’s penmanship.
At the top of the page were the words, “Jer. 5:1,2 Search for a Man,” and in the right corner, he had penned my name. This was one of his many ways of encouraging his son, of being a mentor to me. The writing is below.
God is looking for:
- A man who will not lose his individuality in a crowd.
- A man of convictions who is willing to say “no” when all others are saying “yes.”
- A man who is upright, pure, and generous.
- A man that’s not a coward in any of his parts; no fear of man.
- A man with balanced character, conviction, and consecration.
- A man who wants substance rather than show.
- A man who will be the conscience in his society in which he lives.
- A man who delights in the privilege to glorify Jesus Christ.
- A man who is dogmatic in his loyalty to the Bible, even if it costs him his friends.
- A man who is determined to stand for Christ even if it becomes unpopular cause.
- A man who denounces sin without apology in high or low.
- A man who has a desire to fellowship with good men.
- A man who displays compassion for lost souls.
- A man dominated by the control of the Holy Spirit.
- A man who knows how to discern between love that is based on truth or mere sentimentality.
- A man who has a decisive desire to build a strong Christian home.
- A man who walks in the will of God.
Thanks, Dad, that even after departing this earth sixteen years ago, your influence is still strong in my life! Thanks for being that kind of man. By God’s grace and for His glory, I want to be that man, too!
Run to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem,
look and take note!
Search her squares to see
if you can find a man,
one who does justice
and seeks truth. (Jeremiah 5:1)
From A Pastor's Heart 