When he was part of President Nixon’s staff during the turbulent Vietnam war era, his unofficial political reputation brought him the title the ‘hatchet man’ – not exactly a positive connotation. But before long, his involvement in the historic Watergate break-in scandal, and the first of Nixon’s advisors to do prison time, tended to prove that negative title more accurate than some may have thought at the time.But his short seven months in prison would prove to be yet another turning point in his life. Before becoming an inmate, this former Marine and brilliant politician would find true forgiveness and a new relationship with God. His salvation experience would carry with it a reality that was easily seen by the entire nation and specifically revealed in detail by a book and movie called, ‘Born-Again'.
Chuck Colson died on April 21st at age 80 not long after speaking at his ‘Center for Christian Worldview’. Many of those years saw him serving God after a total life and heart transformation through accepting Jesus Christ. One of his first major evidences of being a new creation in Christ was his post-release founding of a national ministry to inmates called “Prison Fellowship” in 1976. The nonprofit group provides support for inmates in the form of in-prison Bible studies, mentoring programs and support for the children of prisoners. It is the world's largest outreach of its kind today and includes a presence in some 113 countries.He would also later begin several more spiritual outreaches all related and geared to providing today’s church with an often sorely lacking ‘biblical world-view’. One of the more famous and effective means of doing so was a radio commentary program called ‘Breakpoint’. The short, and very popular, current events-styled broadcast was aired on some 1,400 stations. Later on, he also founded the ‘The Chuck Colson Center for Christian Worldview’, a multi-faceted ministry intended to help transform believers into thinking and applying biblical principles to all areas of their lives.
In 2008, Colson was awarded the ‘Presidential Citizens Medal’ for his compassionate efforts to renew a spirit of purpose in the lives of countless individuals. He also won the coveted ‘Templeton Prize’, an award that honors a living person who has made an exceptional contribution to affirming life's spiritual dimension. It provides the largest cash gift of any religious-based award and Colson immediately donated the money to his Prison Fellowship ministry. In addition, most of the royalties from the 30 books he authored were also donated to some form of ministry outreach. His transforming experience through Jesus Christ resulted in a life of tireless and effective Christian service. Colson’s efforts made a difference both in his culture as a whole and in many of the individual lives that belonged to it.Lamar Vest, President and CEO of the New York-based American Bible Society, stated concerning Colson, "Today the world lost a Christian statesman, a dedicated servant of prisoners and a powerful example of God's ability to transform a life.”
God is in the business of saving and transforming lives. He alone can do this and do it both fully and perfectly. But once a heart has been cleansed and forgiven of sin, what is it that should come next? What should follow the weighty decision to follow Christ and in light of those things He has revealed throughout the Scriptures? What is it that pleases God and also testifies to the reality of His existence, power and great love?
To those who trust and receive His forgiveness through faith, there also come spiritual gifts and resources - some immediately and others that are developed over time. His Spirit provides His saints both general and also some specifically individual things to accomplish on His behalf. But being instructed and able to perform some service for God, and the actual obedience of doing so, are often not one and the same. All men are born with a free will - including those who have been re-born into God’s family. All continue to make life-altering choices daily whether they be Christians or not.
For a ‘born again’ Chuck Colson, a true and great inner change was evidenced by an incredible and undeniable outward change. His priorities, goals, and world-view all became new and boldly reflected the One who died in his place on the cross. And unlike so many, that reality was easily seen in his single-minded sacrifice and superb service for His beloved Lord. His faith could be easily seen in his personal lifestyle. It was also beyond evident from the great spiritual influence he exuded and attempted to leave upon his own spiritually crumbling culture.
Chuck Colson turned from a ‘hatchet man’ for the President into a ‘humble man’ for the Creator. His efforts and results achieved for the kingdom of God go without saying. But he was still just one man. He was just one ‘born-again’ sinner turned serious servant. But this solitary soul made the most of his time and talents for Christ. The results speak for themselves and his spiritual impact and influence continue on.
Not everyone is a Chuck Colson – nor has God asked anyone else to be him. But God does expect all who are His to develop that “Christian World View” spoken so much about by this famed and now departed saint. But how is this great task begun and carried through? It begins first by always remembering what Christ has done for us - specifically on the cross. Then comes the proper reaction and reconsideration of what we should be doing daily for Him. As for a starting point, perhaps meditating and acting upon the words found 2 Timothy 3:16-17 would be a great place to start:
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
Bill Breckenridge
