“But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. 2 Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. 7 Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, 8 and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.” Titus 2:1-3, Titus 2:6-8 ESV
When I began reluctantly coming to LPC in 1995, Heidi warned me that the church “bridged the gap” at the end of each service by holding hands as a line or two from a song was sung. So I did the strategic thing. I positioned myself with Heidi at one side, and the end of the pew at the other where there was no hand to hold. On the rare occasion I got caught out of position, I could hardly wait for the torture to end. Coming from a Catholic background, I was suspicious of this church of seemingly happy people that enjoyed praising Jesus and genuinely liked each other. So I did a lot of watching, especially of the men of the church. I got into conversations with a few of them, and over time began to respect the character of a select group who had strength in the conviction of their faith. That is one of the main reasons I kept coming back. I could give time and energy to learn from men I respected. I can name many men over 27 years that propelled me to have the faith I carry with me now, but this is about one man. Ed Miller.
The recent celebration of Ed’s life forever cemented in stone that he was exactly the husband, dad, friend, leader, and mentor I thought of him to be. Ed had a remarkably likeable personality, and in his spiritual DNA was an unwavering love of Jesus and His Word. He was a model for me of what it was like to be a true man, and that would be a man of Jesus. Some words that come to mind are wise, strong, faithful, family man, honest, steadfast, gentle, humble, committed, soft-spoken, a good listener, and a truly worthy spiritual leader. I got into conversations with Ed and his go to line was always, “Well, you know what the Bible says about that?” Then he would proceed to tell me a verse and offer simple, straightforward, but powerful words for me to dwell on. I find myself maybe more frequently than not saying to heathen men (and women), “You know what the Bible says about that?” Then like Ed, I say it simply and straightforwardly hoping there’s power behind it like there was when Ed would say it to me.
I’m grateful to Ed Miller for showing me it’s a relationship with, not knowledge of the Trinity that’s the key to a Christian man’s walk, and that relationship is built on God’s Word. For 27 years I witnessed a man whose most important character trait was his love for Jesus and people, and my life is as it is because of men like Ed Miller. Ed lived and breathed Titus 2, and I know he has heard the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant” because he was that exactly, and you know what the Bible says about that. I look forward to seeing Ed again.