Lessons Learned in College
When I was a student at Biola University we had 5 men who called themselves the “Holy Club” after the Holy Club that John and Charles Wesley formed in 1729, which gave rise to Methodism.
They were always on the front row of chapel, sometimes with their arms over each other’s shoulders deep in worship. They were also helpful in correcting any behavior which they felt was wrong.
I was corrected once by one of them for wearing a T-shirt under a sweater, as Biola’s rule then was that you needed to have a shirt with a collar.
Another time I was playing “Perfidio” on my saxophone in the dorm and I was admonished for using an instrument of the devil, which was exacerbated by the choice of the tune.
However, one member of the Holy Club actually helped me in my spiritual life. One morning on the way to chapel he saw me and said, “Brother Clyde.” Everyone was either “brother or sister” to them.
“Let me share with you what the Lord gave me this morning in my quiet time. Look at this great verse in Zephaniah. ‘The Lord rejoices over us with singing. ‘ Isn’t that great brother Clyde? Think of it, the God of all the universe is singing over you today.”
He continued on. “And Brother Clyde, what did the Lord give you this morning?
Hey, I had stumbled out of bed a few minutes before class, threw on some clothes and arrived just in time for the opening prayer, smelling like an Assyrian camel.
So I said, “Brother Miles, let’s see. Oh yes, here is what the Lord gave me. ‘For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.’”
Brother Miles said, “That’s good.” I replied, “I’ll see you.”
The next day about the same time, I saw Brother Miles coming and tried to duck down a hall.
But he had already spotted me. “Brother Clyde” he called out. “Wait, let me share with you what the Lord gave me this morning.”
“I was so moved reading Lamentations. Listen to this. ‘The lovingkindness of the Lord never ceases. For His compassion’s never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Thy faithfulness.’ Isn’t that wonderful?”
“Yes,” I mumbled trying to get away. But he wouldn’t let me. “And brother Clyde, what did the Lord give you this morning?”
I replied, “Ah, Brother Miles, let’s see. Oh yes, here is what the Lord gave me. ‘For God so loved the world . . . .’”
He interrupted, “Brother Clyde, that was what the Lord gave you yesterday.” “You’re right, Brother Miles,” I replied. “Let me think. Oh yes. ‘For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.’”
Brother Miles said, “That’s good.” I replied, “Ciao.”
Well, you know what happened the next morning. I arose in time to shower, shave and have devotions and I was ready for Brother Miles.
As soon as I spotted him I yelled, “Brother Miles. Let me share with you what the Lord gave me this morning. Listen to the prophet Habakkuk.” “That’s Habakkuk,” said Brother Miles. I said, “Whatever.”
“The Lord is my strength, and He has made my feet like hinds’ feet, and makes me walk on my high places.” “Think of it Brother Miles, your feet are like hind’s feet.” To which brother Miles said, “That’s good.” I replied, “I’ll see you.”
Well, you know it was because of Brother Miles that I have been having devotions ever since. The Lord used him to help accomplish something very important to my spiritual growth.