F.W. Mattox

In July of 1999, Bro. Mattox was celebrating his 90th birthday.   All of his extended family were in Searcy for this special time in his life.  Because he was so loved and respected, he was asked to make a few comments from the pulpit at College Church on that Sunday.    In light of the fact that it is the 5th anniversary of that celebration, I went back to read what he said to all of us on that Sunday.  He was thoughtful enough to have his comments printed.

Here are his 5 main points from that short talk:

1.)   Stay active by finding important things for which to live.
2.)   Keep your stewardship in mind.  He reminded us that we are a steward of life, time, money and opportunities.   He told us of Brother A. M. Burton who made sure he gave all of his money away BEFORE he died.
3.)   Feed your faith.   He had just completed a "restudy of evolution".   He told us to "help your faith to grow in God until all doubt is removed".
4.)   Realize that there are great basics that you must hold to.    The two he mentioned that morning were sin and grace.
5.)   To forgive and love reflect the nature of God.   "If there is anyone that you are holding anything against, forgive.  If there is anyone who doesn't have your total commitment of love, then you need to realize that there is another opportunity to share in the great qualities of God".

He closed by saying "My ninety years seem mighty short.  I'm going to meet the Lord pretty soon, but you might beat me there!  And so we ought to live each day as if that were our last day".

 
Brother Mattox did gain the victory not long after that Sunday, and I still miss him.   Like many others, he will be followed............but for sure never replaced.