A Life Well Lived… Marked by Humility and Wisdom
Mr. Hewitt, the father of one of my dearest friends from high school, would have probably been embarrassed at the standing room only funeral service that followed his very untimely death a few weeks ago. He was just that kind of man…unassuming, humble…and very simply, committed to a life marked by Jesus. Despite his impressive worldly success, Mr. Hewitt was never confused as to who’s he was and where everything came from. He humbly recognized God as the source of all his blessings…in a real, quietly genuine way. His wife, kids, and grandkids, loved and adored and respected him greatly – they truly were his greatest joy…and they rested in that fact. The 1,600+ people packed into First Presbyterian Church of Orlando were just a small testament to the number of lives he touched through his humble service of loving and caring for others.
He probably didn’t realize the impact that he had on my life…but the impact was huge. He’s 1 of only 2 or 3 people I mention by name when people ask about my testimony. Mr. Hewitt didn’t lead me to Christ, but he was probably the first man who showed me Christ…what it meant to truly love Jesus as a husband, father, and businessman. Coming from a broken, dysfunctional home, God knew I needed to see Jesus modeled in these ways…and Mr. Hewitt was the man he used to do just that. When I was making critical life decisions, it was Mr. Hewitt’s Godly wisdom that I sought…either directly or indirectly by simply thinking to myself what would Mr. Hewitt do.
When I read James 3:13…Mr. Hewitt instantly came to mind. Not because he told me he was wise or demanded that I recognize him as wise. But simply because his life reflected that he was wise. As I tearfully considered Mr. Hewitt and the life he led during his funeral, God challenged me to consider my own life and how I was to live it. Parking on this verse for a bit, God has given me some thoughts. The specific picture is still formulating, but I do know this: I will miss Mr. Hewitt, but I will honor him by trying to live as he did…by humbly loving and serving others…praying that my life reflects Jesus.
How about you? What does God tell you or who does He bring to mind when you consider this verse?
Doug, thanks for the insight. It is a great reminder of who we humbly serve and who deserves the credit for all things. So glad to share life with you and your family.
Doug, Thank you for sharing with us what Bob meant to you. He was a man that truely lived out what God wants
us to be here on earth. He was such an inspiration to
all of us, as he prayerfully asked for God’s wisdom. He
loved to share his faith so others could also enjoy the
love of our saviour. To God be the Glory!!! Caren