"Never Say Never"

“Never Say Never”

 

For more than 60 years until his Homegoing in 2013 Dr. Howard Hendricks (known to hundreds of his seminary students as “Prof”) was a world-renowned teacher, author, conference speaker, and Christian leader. He is especially remembered for his use of humor in motivating his readers and listeners. In addressing resolution of family conflicts he uttered one of his most memorable sayings: “The two words we always ought to be careful never to use are always and never.” This is great advice for “fair fighting” and effective communication.

During our years in New Hampshire I once baptized a family of four. The wife’s sister and her husband attended the service despite the husband’s having previously said he’d never set foot in a Baptist church. A year or so later I baptized this couple as well. In giving his testimony this man would caution others, “Never say never when God is involved.”

There have been a few times in my life (maybe more than a few) when I said I’d never do something only to have to eat my words later. They were usually spoken out of frustration or anger, and once the smoke cleared God had a chance to get a few words in and bring correction, sometimes showing his “sense of humor.” And the godly wisdom of Dr. Hendricks has helped me to (usually) think before I speak.

One area in which it’s easy to fall into the “I’ll never do this” trap is prayer. In 1 Timothy 2:1-4 the Apostle Paul says, “I urge…that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority…This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all…to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” (Emphasis added). I had, in effect, said I’d never pray for certain politicians, entertainers, and others to come to Christ because I didn’t like what they stood for and rationalized they’d never respond anyway. But God convicted me and I no longer knowingly refuse to pray for anyone.

In his pre-Christian days Saul of Tarsus may have been seen as a first-century terrorist. I wonder how many early believers asked God to save him—my guess is more wrote him off than prayed for him. Are we any different today when we hear about those seeking to destroy our faith or limit our right to practice it?

About whom are you and I saying, “I’ll always be careful never to pray for_____!” Take a moment right now to put him/her/them on your prayer list and keep them there! Never think that this won’t always please God! (I thank Karen for that final sentence.)

 

Blessings!

Jim McMillan