Monday, December 05,
2011
A Man of God
Today would have been my dad's (Wayne P. Chelette) 76th
birthday. It is hard to believe he has been in the presence of God for just
over four years now. I think of him often and as much I'd like to be able to
have a conversation with him from time-to-time, I wouldn't want him to have to
leave the place of peace he is now experiencing.
Dad was a "Man's Man", larger than life in some
ways. A man of humble beginnings; raised in the pine woods of central
Louisiana, called of God to be a preacher, a pastor, a servant of the Kingdom
of God.
Dad was bright and insightful as to the motives of men. He
never really was motivated or influenced by power, prestige or position, though
he had opportunities to pursue those things.
His desire was to be an honorable Man of God that walked with integrity and character.
Dad was a paradox, passionate but not
emotional, charismatic and personable, but a little aloof, strong in his
attitudes, beliefs and commitments but chose to communicate them by his actions
more than his words.
During dad's lifetime the world was already in short supply
of men with strong Godly character, integrity, and honor. Even more so today.
When did it get to be so hard for a "yes" to be "yes" and a
"no" to be "no"? Is
the Word and Character of Christ really that hard or complicated of a standard
to aspire to, or has the enemy just twisted and deceived us into thinking that
it is?
Dad wasn't perfect and fell short of this standard from time-to-time as
we all do. But, he was always quick to take those failures to the Father and
nail them to the cross. He was always quick to get up after being knocked down
and keep moving forward, step-by-step, mile-by-mile, year-by-year.
Even in his last few days, as cancer filled his body with pain
I often heard him softly say, "I'm
almost there, just keep moving forward". He never lost sight of where
he was going and to Whom he was going to. He truly was a Mighty Man of God because he did love the Lord his God with all his
heart, mind and strength and loved his neighbor as himself...even more so.
So today I remember my dad and wish to honor him by sharing
the testimony of his life with you. My prayer is that God would raise up
millions of men and women with a heart like Wayne P. Chelette whose only desire
and title in life was Man of God. Thanks dad, for the example that you
gave us. Happy birthday! I love you. - Steve
Raise His Standard!
Steve,
ReplyDeleteWell thank you for taking those of us who knew your Dad and for many of us, a Father, down memory lane. I have often found myself in the 30 years of ministry your Dad helped train me for, measuring my motives and ministry with your Father's. I have held the "Measuring Rod" of your Dad's life and ministry up as the standard not only for ministries I have witnessed, but for my very own!
Wayne Chelette Was INDEED a true Man of God, and I am so thankful to the Lord that in God's sovereignty, He arranged for your Dad to be my Mentor! Happy Birthday my Teacher!!!