Author Offers Up an Appetizer for Renewed Spiritual Health
by Randall Murphree
September 3, 2004
(AgapePress) - "I yearn for more of God in my life," writes Cecil Murphey in the introduction to his new book Committed but Flawed. I believe him.Having heard Cecil -- or "Cec" (pronounced "cease"), as he prefers -- speak at a number of Christian writer's conferences, I have come to recognize him as a wise man of God. He is always transparent about the warts in his life, and he doesn't hide them in this new title from Living Ink Books (2004).
Fortunately, Cec is also humble about his professional accomplishments -- the 96 books he's written, teaching in public schools and Bible college, teaching and mentoring other writers, six years as a missionary in Kenya, and 14 years as a pastor. Never condescending or preachy, he gives his reader a sense of walking alongside the author as he shares his experiences.
Committed but Flawed is for those who want to grow spiritually and cultivate in their lives such qualities as peace, boldness, stronger faith and humility.
Speaking of his hunger for God, Cec writes: "I've read the right books, heard excellent sermons, gone to in-depth seminars and practiced what the experts told me .... I set up daily prayer times and faithfully read my Bible."
But all those things didn't quench his thirst. As he studied biblical heroes, he began to be aware that -- like us -- they, too, had flaws. Then he began to recognize some of their flaws in himself, and that realization became the foundation for a method of prayer that has proven valuable in his spiritual growth. That's what Committed but Flawed is about.
"I stumbled onto a method of prayer that has enriched my spiritual relationship," he writes. He reveals some pretty intimate things, and I was quickly captivated by his anecdotes and pointed illustrations. I am also intrigued by this method of prayer that he explains. In each short chapter, he reminds readers of the strengths and weaknesses of a selected character. He interweaves personal experiences, and concludes with the prayer he prayed.
For example, in a chapter titled "Sponsor of Champions," he cites Barnabas, the encourager. His prayer at the end of the chapter addresses both Barnabas' admirable quality (helping others) and our human weakness (wanting to share the spotlight).
Incidentally, the author is himself quite an encourager. My own writing has benefited not only by sitting in workshops he's led, but also from his personal words of encouragement and challenge.
In the chapter "No Small Tasks," he focuses on Stephen and his faithfulness in serving tables. At the end of that chapter, Cec's prayer reads, "I am Stephen, the man who sought no big position. May I rejoice in whatever task You give me and enjoy whatever place You put me in. Whatever task I have, may I faithfully do it to please You, O God."
When Cec begins a prayer with "I am Stephen" or "I am Hannah" or "I am David," he clearly means not to be presumptuous, but simply to identify with that person in all of his/her weaknesses and strengths. We might parallel the idea to what happens when an actor plays a role in a movie; such role-playing can be a powerful and moving experience for both actor and movie-goer.
Taken as a whole, Committed but Flawed is an encouraging experience. Since each chapter is only a few pages, each one could be a strong foundation for a personal Bible study of that character.
Cec's personal chronicle is motivating. And convicting. He issues a challenge for the reader to think outside the box and be willing to try new and creative ways to feed our spiritual appetites. If we're not spiritually hungry, that's all the more reason to analyze our diet and shop for some new spiritual health food. Committed but Flawed could well be the appetizer to prepare us for the feast God has prepared for us.
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Randall Murphree, a regular contributor to AgapePress, is editor of AFA Journal, a monthly publication of the American Family Association.
