Character counts. Godly character really counts.
I will never forget what Wintley Phipps once told me, “Cheryl, if a man is not committed to God, he will not be committed to you.”
I am confident that there are men today who are committed to being men of standard. I reflected on this while hearing a message from Pastor John K. Jenkins on A Few Good Men. He mentioned that men are not perfect and that all have flaws, but there is still a remnant seeking to be all God wants them to be.
My mind immediately went to my father, Rev. Elihue Martin. Each year I have a greater appreciation of what he represents. Maybe I think of him more because of his failing health the past few years. I realize I did not appreciate him as much as I should when I was growing up. I thought most men were like him. Now I know him to be a rare breed.
Elihue Martin only completed the sixth grade. He served in World War II and later went to a trade school and picked up the skills to be a barber. I passed his shop every day as I walked to elementary school. He cut hair by day and rushed home in the evenings to attend church services.
All of my life, I have only known him to be a man of godly integrity. It was not unusual for me to see him reading his Bible, on his knees praying, or lying prostrate before God late at night. He consistenly led family devotions six mornings a week. We had Sunday school at home before we went to Sunday school. He never lied to us. He said “a man’s word is his bond.” I never heard him use profanity. Never a hint of adultery or flirtation with another woman. He taught my 7 brothers and me a strong work ethic. No one was allowed to sleep late. We had to respect his rules. He taught us to respect authority. He and mother never cared how others ran their houses. They were committed to obeying God no matter what, not winning a popularity contest. My Dad preached against credit before we got our first credit cards. He always taught living below your means. Forget about keeping up with the Joneses. He was consumed with keeping up with God’s commandments.
My father isn’t perfect but I know in my heart he has done his absolute best to please God. In just a few months, he will turn 90. Yes, there remains a few good men.
Expecting great things of God,
Cheryl