IN FOCUS: Living sacrifices inspire faithfulness

In Romans 12:1, we are urged “by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God.”

The church always has held Christian martyrs in the highest honor. Yet I often wonder which is the greater sacrifice: One bold, courageous stand for Christ or those who give away their lives in ministry day after day?

The deaths of two prominent Baptist General Convention of Texas leaders in the past few weeks remind us of our indebtedness to those who have served faithfully as living sacrifices.

Lester Lee Morriss died May 1. He was called to preach when he was 15 years old and was pastor of several Texas Baptist churches, including First Baptist Church of Mount Pleasant and First Baptist Church of Midland, where he served more than 20 years. He also served on the BGCT staff from 1975 to 1985 as director of evangelism and then director of the Christian Education Coordinating Board.

L.L. Morriss served our country during and after World War II in the U.S. Army Chaplains’ Corps, holding the rank of captain when he was discharged.

He received numerous recognitions throughout his life, including the Distinguished Service Award from Texas Baptist Men and honorary doctorates from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, East Texas Baptist University and Baylor University.

Bob Edd Shotwell died at his home May 6 following a heart attack. The previous day, he led a staff retreat for Lake Pointe Church in Rockwall, where his son, Carter, serves. How appropriate for Bob Edd to equip churches until the day he died.

His ministry at Hyde Park Church in Austin for 26 years resulted in the formation of a school, an innovative international ministry and significant church growth. But Bob Edd’s leadership was not confined to Austin; his influence was felt throughout Texas.

Ralph Smith said, “I’ve never seen anyone so consistent and disciplined in his family, his life and Christian walk.” Carter said he lived by the last two verses in Matthew 28. “That was his life’s call. His love for the Lord and his desire for people to have the Lord in their life is really what motivated him.”

Of course Bob Edd and L.L. only represent the many who have made significant contributions to the work of the BGCT.

We could write of Jay Skaggs, who served effectively as our BGCT treasurer, or Betsy Trevino, who died from complications with diabetes, leaving behind her pastor husband, Dan, and their six children. One of the last things she said to Dan was to be sure he turned in the tithe and the Texas Baptist hunger bank for their offering.

To my knowledge, no one in the BGCT has been asked to die for Christ recently. Yet these few examples remind us of so many who faithfully pick up their cross daily and follow Christ. Let’s keep them in our memory and allow their lives to inspire us to faithfulness.

Randel Everett is executive director of the Baptist General Convention of Texas Executive Board.