Notable Souls

We’re really not too different
in what we do and say.
This thing we call tradition
just makes us act that way.
We’d rather not admit it,
but let’s accept as norm,
we often lack good reasons
for deeds which we perform.

Of course, we all should honor
our leaders of the past,
and cherish what they’ve taught us
in principles that last.
But since God asks perfection,
we dare not trust in man;
though ever so enlightened,
all fail to meet God’s plan.

We may be much enamored
by heroes of the past,
impressed by deeds of greatness,
which halos on them cast.
But they had their shortcomings,
and sins, as you and I;
and when they closed their mission,
were called upon to die.

Some were more right than others,
but none right all the time.
Just One who walked in history
we credit as sublime!
’Tis He who wrought redemption;
He came to save the lost;
no other name is given,
none else could pay the cost.

So, learn we should from others
whose lives have moble worth,
but worship the Lord Jesus,
who gives us the new birth.
For peace that passes knowledge,
relief from sinful lust,
let’s fix our eyes on Jesus;
He’s worthy of our trust.

fpn/76



Picture: Five Living Presidents, imgur.com, accessed online August 8, 2017

Hero Worship

We all have had our heroes—
those souls whom we adored
to a point, perhaps of worship,
beyond that of our Lord.

Such reverence for a mortal
is sad and should not be;
but we’re inclined to worship
some man or thing we see.

And we accept man’s worship,
if so, we’ll need to prove
that we have saving power
in his behalf to move.

Of course, his estimation
with time usually breaks down
and then, humiliated,
our true worth will be known.

It’s fitting that we honor
and that with due respect
all those with gifts or talents
whom praise will not distract.

But God alone is worth
of worship—man is not.
Our ego moves with blindness
—proves us a foolish lot.

And since our hearts are sinful
with life so short a while,
let God be God, while we keep
as men, a low profile!

fpn/December 1982



Picture: depositphotos.com #3066659, standard license

Human Faults

“Great soul—but for one thing.”
(Perhaps there could be two!)
Some folks do seem so nice
by what they say and do.
But should they open up
and honestly confess,
we’d learn they have their faults
and weaknesses, no less.

The heroes in the books
of fiction, which we read,
seem somewhat more than life
the total truth’s not said.
And even history books
don’t always merit trust.
There’s slant and prejudice
toward those returned to dust.

Our heroes we admire
and praise them to our friends;
our children we instruct
to reach for similar ends.
But caution is the need
when heroes we exalt;
their image can be marred,
we may discover fault.

Our Lord’s the only One
in whom no sin was found;
our guilt was laid on Him;
He paid on Calvary’s mound.
Let’s place our trust in Him
for mercy on Him call;
with angels join in praise
and crown Him Lord of all.

fpn/November 1984



Picture: depositphotos.com #11543428, editorial license