Laugh

‘Learning to laugh at my mistakes’

Yet another prize blunder, and there have been many, happened when I was a first year Cadet. (I think I was about 12 at the time!) It was the day with the General at Westminster Central Hall in London. During the afternoon meeting delegates from the ICO took part and I heard the name of someone I recognised as having been a Corps Officer in Liverpool when my Mum was a youngster and had, had a positive influence on her. I decided after the meeting to go and introduce myself to Major Iris Port and so I made my way to the back of the platform to find the ICO delegates. By the time I got there the platform was almost bare apart from one very friendly, elderly gentleman, in what to me looked like an old uniform with faded trimmings. He told me the ICO had already left and gone for tea … but at the same time drew me into conversation. He was a lovely man, warm, friendly, caring, gentle, interested to name just a few of the qualities I recall from that brief meeting. He enquired as to how I was enjoying my first few weeks at the Training College … was I settling … where was home etc, etc. When he had finished with his questions I asked him where he was stationed … to which he replied (you’ve guessed!) ‘I’m the General’ … I nearly died a death and apologised profusely … General Jarl Walstrom was suitably amused and very graciously assured me there was no need to apologise.

When I recall this incident I am reminded that ministry depends less on titles than it does on influence. On my brief encounter with the General I sensed that I had met with a gracious, humble man of God. That had nothing to do with his title … his rank … his position … but had everything to do with who he was.

In Joshua 6 we find the story of Rahab which I think proves this point to us. God will use anybody if we allow ourselves to be used. Rahab was a prostitute in Jericho. Because of her wisdom, her character and clever plan, she not only saved her own life but helped the spies and in turn worked towards accomplishing God’s purpose in Jericho at that time.

However, our life’s ministry is worked out, through teaching, nursing, working in a shop, officership or whatever, it is important that we remember God sees our human hearts. Many a person would not have trusted a woman like Rahab with such personal history … but God did. God selected her … chose her … used her. God has selected … chosen and uses you and me too. When we get to Heaven I don’t think for one moment He is going to ask us what colour our epaulets were … what rank or position we held … what church we went to. But I do think He will ask: ‘Were you faithful to Me?’ and ‘Did you allow yourself to be used by Me?’

My prayer for all of us, however our lives are worked through is found in the lines of one of General Albert Osborn’s songs:

‘O that He may count me faithful

In the day that tries by fire'

Major Glad Thompson
Active Officer
Exeter Temple Corps
UKT