Rich Mullins, by far the truest Christian man that I have ever come across, with the deepest sense of humility in life, has inspired me, even though he has no idea of the impact that he has made in my quest for God and desire to be what God wants me to be.
Rich Mullins was a famous Christian Music Artist who chose to do God's work through the gift of music. He lived a humble life. Not the typical life of a famous person, but of simple means, donating millions of dollars earned through his musical success. Rich took only the lowest paying salary within the current years time for himself out of all of the millions generated by his music sales, he lived with the Native Americans on the reserve with torn clothing, and barefoot most of the time.
Rich was nothing more than the poorest of the poor, yet one of the most blessed men of our time. I believe this to be true, and I only need to listen to his mini-sermons between songs at concerts to know it to be true.
How could a simple man know so much? How could he be so simple in his teachings, yet be so profound at the same time? How does one man make me weep with pure shame and embarrassment to think that I had anything of favour to offer God Almighty?
The impact on my heart when I hear this man speak of what God means to him is nothing to be taken lightly. The impact on my heart when I go to the local mission and volunteer to serve the less fortunate is nothing to be brushed away. These are true, deep, passionate hurts, joys, aches and moments of true humility. I am ashamed to not understand God's mercy and love for us. And that's okay. God loves me anyways.
Having God in your life isn't for a "good feeling" or an "easy life". He's not there for our next "high" or "rush". We are closest to God when our hearts are merciful, when our hearts are hurting, when we are humbled and lack of all pride. That's when God truly comes into our hearts. I am reminded of the beatitudes and how Jesus taught us about the "meek inheriting the earth". And to be honest, sometimes these things are really hard to understand. But I believe that the closer we get our hearts connected to God, the more understanding we will have of everything.
Rich's music isn't perfect. Quite the contrary actually. It's kind of pitchy if you want to know the half of it. But his faith in the Lord, and his understanding of who he is in the Lord has helped me become a better Christian, by showing me all of my shortcomings. These are the things in life that no one wants to admit. These are the brutally honest things that you don't want to tell anyone, that you know they are specifically bad in life. These are the things that come forward when God really starts to reveal Himself in your heart and life. But, as believers, we can understand who "we" are in Him. We are His children with the pathetic drawings and scribbles of our lives posted on His fridge with magnets in Heaven and He stands and gazes upon our handy work with love in His heart and a smile on His face. We are the ones that He loves without cause and without ceasing, no matter what.
Lord let me shine some of that light to others. Let me walk for you. Let me love my neighbour, be faithful to my spouse, be hopeful in Your eyes Lord, and fear nothing.
Thank you Rich.
Richard Wayne Mullins (October 21, 1955 – September 19, 1997)
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