The year I knew Jack, one of the cattle he had raised was awarded the title "State Champion Steer." The big brown-eyed animal, nonchalantly chewing straw, unaware of his celebrity status, was adorned with a blue ribbon, purchased by the highest bidder, slaughtered, sliced up into steaks and roasts, and ground up into burgers.

The year I knew Jack, he was a champion among farmers, but he was also a champion at his church. When an interim pastor began serving at Jack's church that year, he immediately recognized Jack's energy and willingness. He took Jack under his wing. He bestowed upon Jack the great praise he sensed Jack craved. The interim pastor whispered into Jack's ear all the world champion ideas he had developed over the span of his forty years of ministry. Superb ideas that they w…