June 19, 2025 | Daniel L. Segraves, Ph.D.

C. M. Becton served for many years as the general secretary of the United Pentecostal Church International. He signed my certificate of ordination on January 17, 1969. His keen spiritual insight was reflected in the way he opened the Scriptures as he proclaimed the gospel.

I will never forget one of his profound messages titled “Your Greatest Power.” He demonstrated from the word of God that the greatest power possessed by human beings is the power of choice.

I am currently reading a book recommended to me by David S. Norris, Professor of Theological Studies at Urshan Graduate School of Theology. The book is titled Hidden Worldviews: Eight Cultural Stories that Shape our Lives (Steve Wilkens and Mark L. Sanford [Westmont IL: IVP Academic, 2009]).

Moments ago, I came across this observation: “God’s respect for human beings runs so deep that he does not override our wills, even when we make choices that are utterly destructive.”

If you doubt this, read Genesis 2:16-17; 3.

Brother Becton was right. God has given us the freedom and ability to make our own choices.

The comedian Flip Wilson’s character Geraldine Jones was wrong when she said, “The devil made me do it!”

[archive]