Too Much Information

One of the wisest men I have ever known never attended school. Until he was nearly 50 years old, he couldn't read or write. I remember him well; the last time I saw T K Carroll was right after I was discharged from the Air Force, and he stopped to spend a few days at my mom's home. 

He told me he was a notorious sinner and ran with a rough crowd of moonshiners until he met the Lord at age 45. Picking up a Bible, though he couldn’t read it, the Holy Spirit taught him. 

"But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you.” 1 John 2:27  

We affectionately called him Brother Carroll. Reminding me of Jesus, his kindness and love for God's Word left a deep impression on me. He refused to ask for money in his preaching ministry, instead painting houses on his itinerant route to provide for his needs.  He would stay with our family on these journeys.  

Most of all, I remember his love, acceptance, and forgiveness, which was without judgment. Without him saying a word, his very presence convicted my sinful and wayward life. He lived to age 96, serving the Lord faithfully over 50 years.

His influence and wisdom helped me to realize that education without Jesus is like a sailboat without a sail, with no power over the direction I'm going. In large part, he influenced my decision to follow Jesus.

~ Pastor Mike

Don't drift without a sail, don't forge a path without Christ.