Christian Victor: See You Soon, Uncle Charlie

Last updated on: February 9, 2021 at 11:21 pm by John Mark N. Reynolds

Christian Victor: See You Soon, Uncle Charlie 2021-02-09T23:21:58-04:00 John Mark N. Reynolds

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Today I said “until next time” to a good man who served his nation and the church: my uncle, Charles Harris. As I listened to his eulogy, the phrase that came to me was: Christian Victor, Uncle Charlie, Christian Victor.

He was victorious, especially as I saw him sleeping in death waiting the hope of the resurrection. His country sent him around the world serving the Strategic Air Command (TSGT) and his service helped win the Cold War and free millions from the evils of atheistic communism. (One of the first things I learned from listening to him as a small boy was: sergeants matter and that some officers matter less. This rule served me well when applied to University life.)

After this retiring from his job well done, Uncle Charlie did what he thought of as a natural and more important next step: he served Christians as a pastor. He went to small places and helped revive them, able to serve for less than most, because of his time in the Air Force.

He lived to see the Cold War victory he helped achieve, but was most eager to bring victory over sin and death to his community. West Virginia and Lousinia has many people who are victors, because of this Christian Victor. Growing up he was my Dad’s friend, married to his older sister, a man that Dad could count on to be there. I saw him as strong, straightforward, and fun. Even as a kid, I knew you could count on Uncle Charlie.

You cannot win if you are not loyal, strong, and durable. Yet over time, it seemed to me that God also mellowed my strong Uncle. I saw his deep sorrow when my Aunt Jean died last year and though I had never doubted it saw how much he loved her. The Christian Victor was getting ready for his final challenge.

Christians embrace victory, we just do not go about winning the way some suggest. From the very start of the Church, there were Christians willing to serve in the military to protect and defend people, but they were also willing to lose their lives if the armed forces demanded absolute obedience.

We will not serve any power, no matter the short term cost, if it means losing for eternity. No wonder one great Roman convert took the name Christian Victor at his baptism. The City of God, The reigning city, is delivered for all time. You cannot sack the City of God, penetrate the walls, or destroy the Holy Wisdom within her.

Uncle Charlies served the Republic well as a good citizen, but he was first a subject of that reigning City, the City of God. The fine pastor who preached his eulogy said that Uncle Charlie once challenged him with a truth that stuck. When facing hard times, when unsure what to do, a man should follow his last orders.

Uncle Charlie could, because he had read Paul (2 Timothy 4:7-8) and knew the last orders:

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

Your race is done and now the crown comes Uncle Charlie, Christian Victor.

Spiritual Reflections

Previous Post

February 9, 2018

Remember the Great African King Kaleb of Axum

Next Post

February 11, 2018 Manners: Better Than Barbarism, Sort Of

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Apologetics Art Culture Education On Books On Education Philosophy Politics Pop Culture Spiritual Reflections Uncategorized

Select a Month October 2026 September 2026 August 2026 July 2026 July 2025 June 2025 September 2024 July 2024 June 2024 December 2023 June 2023 September 2022 May 2022 April 2022 March 2022 February 2022 July 2021 June 2021 May 2021 April 2021 March 2021 February 2021 January 2021 December 2020 November 2020 October 2020 September 2020 August 2020 July 2020 June 2020 May 2020 April 2020 March 2020 February 2020 January 2020 December 2019 November 2019 October 2019 September 2019 August 2019 July 2019 June 2019 May 2019 April 2019 March 2019 February 2019 January 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

Which tribe did NOT ask for land on the east side of Jordan?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Manasseh Issachar Reuben Gad

Books by This Author John Mark Reynolds

See All Titles »