8 Things a Godly Man Never Gets Over (+ One More)

Today, I’m writing for myself. Yesterday, we laid to rest my father-in-law, who passed away at age 93 after a quick battle with cancer. He was a godly man in whose footsteps I would be honored to walk. His life was a witness to me and others in so many ways that ought to challenge all of us:

1. He never got over his humble beginnings. His Kentucky roots went deeply into his heart, and he delighted in talking about his simple upbringing. I found equal delight in listening to him. 
2. He never got over the commitment of being a husband. He and his wife were married almost 70 years when the Lord called her home a few years ago. When he made a commitment, he meant it. 
3. He never got over the privilege of being a father. There’s a reason his two kids, my wife and her brother, talked to him almost every day of their lives. They loved him because he so loved them first. 
4. He never got over grace. In my estimation, humility is one characteristic that marks folks who always find grace amazing. I’m not sure I’ve met anyone as humble as my father-in-law was. 
5. He never got over serving others. As long as he was able, he served his church by cleaning the building weekly. His role was not a glorious, spotlight one, but that was never his interest. He just served because he loved the Lord and his local church. 
6. He never got over the joy of singing for Jesus. He and friends sang in a bluegrass band for several years, and they ministered in churches and care facilities in their area. Give him his guitar and a lyric sheet (often handwritten), and he sang out God’s praise.  
7. He never got over trusting Jesus. He particularly trusted Him when Pam and I made our first of several moves away from home. He would miss us much, but he never did anything less than encourage us to be faithful to Jesus. He trusted Him with everything. 
8. He never got over gratitude. He never had a lot, but he always had enough in his estimation. He was thankful for all he had, and he never worried about anything he didn’t have. He was content even in the face of cancer. 
9. He never got over Kentucky Wildcats basketball. I realize this characteristic is not necessarily related to godliness, but I just wanted you to know my father-in-law. Because I’m a University of Louisville fan, we competed often—but he loved me anyway! 🙂

As you think of godly men who’ve come before you, what characteristics come to mind?