In Matthew 25 Jesus tells a story about a master who entrusts his servants with precious gifts. The ones who invested what was given to them were commended and the one who did nothing with his gifts met a terrible fate. This parable leaves us with a goal to someday hear these words from God, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”
This week we laid to rest our dear brother Dan Knisely. For the past 25 years Dan and his family have been and integral part of our church family at Christian Life. His life touched many of our lives. I don’t know of anybody in the history of our church that received as much prayer as Dan. We all wanted to stand with him during his battle with cancer.
Dan was an example of a godly man in his family, in his business, and in our church. Dan did “well” in each area of his life. He worked hard, played hard, and enjoyed his life.
I will always remember Dan’s questions. Whether it was on the golf course, at dinner, or in the church lobby Dan was never afraid of the big questions. He loved to ask difficult questions, especially deep theological ones. They were never easy to answer. I think he had fun stumping the pastor.
On one of the last visits in the hospital I got to ask Dan a big question. What would he like to do if he felt better? Dan said if he had more time he would love to spend time with family. Take a walk and play with the grandkids. He would enjoy another good day at the office. Spend more time at church during the week. These are just a few of his answers.
What I noticed about Dan’s answers was that there was nothing new. The things he wanted to do were the same things he did throughout his life. There were really no regrets except a desire for more time to do what he had always done.
When you think about the life and gifts God gave you are living a life with no regrets? Live this life well so that in the end, just like Dan, you will hear God say, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”
