A Life Worth Imitating

1 Corinthians 11:1 says, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” Paul understood what it meant to live a life worth of emulating. He loved the Lord Jesus with everything in him and wanted others to do so as well. One of the primary roles of a pastor is to be a godly example to the church and live a life worthy of imitation. One way we can do that is by emulating the faith of those who have gone before us. 

Such was Clay Carroll. Clay’s life was marked by ministry. He sacrificed whatever it took to minister: going on mission trips, pastoring, discipling younger men in the faith, leading small groups, sharing the gospel, and most importantly, shepherding his family. Additionally, he was an incredible friend. He was an expert in knowing how to cultivate friendships for them to grow and flourish. The art of friendship came naturally for Clay. He loved so well, even to the very end.

Clay went to be with the Lord on August 17, 2026. He was 38 years old. He left behind his wife, Bekah, their four children, Eli, Lydia, Eden, and Judson, and many other family members and friends. When we hear about this tragic situation, we are tempted to think he was too young. But, as his pastor Rev. Greg Sykes reminded us at Clay’s homegoing service, it was God’s time to bring Clay home. Losing Clay hurts and makes us wonder, “Why, Lord?” But we can trust that God is in control and has a purpose for the pain. Clay suffered with courage and faithfulness. Resolved to not waste this tragic diagnosis, Clay honored the Lord through his trial. His last days saw his loved ones joining him in lamentation, joy, and mourning. 

Clay was diagnosed with stage 4 kidney cancer in May 2023. The doctors’ forecast was that he would live three years from the time of prognosis. He lived a few months longer than they anticipated. Clay never faltered in his faith after receiving the dreaded diagnosis. James 1:12 says, “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” Clay was blessed. He was faithful to the very end through the trial of cancer. Clay has received the crown of life. We would do well to emulate Clay’s life, but especially in how he faced death. 

Clay was a very active person until his health began failing him. Once he began declining physically, he sought other opportunities to serve and love his family and friends. One of the many ways Clay served his loved ones in his last years was through letter writing. His new hobby led him to begin collecting fountain pens, stationery, and even a custom wax seal stamp to make his notes more personal. He encouraged people through his writing and even compelled others to take up the hobby. I’m thankful he did that. 

Clay’s writing demonstrated that he recognized the importance of words. He thoughtfully crafted each note or letter. Even through his suffering, he kept up with people enough to know exactly what they needed to hear. He wrote hundreds of letters and notes in his final years. He even wrote letters before his passing to be given to loved ones at his funeral. Additionally, Clay intentionally wrote letters to his family members to be read when they experience future accomplishments, milestones, and significant moments in their lives. As I reflect on his life, I realize that he was always intentional. His suffering just moved him to display it in new ways. 

Of all the noble lessons we can learn from Clay Carroll’s life and death, one stands out: intentionality. If he could encourage us today, he would tell us to be intentional with the time we have left. Be intentional with the Lord. Be intentional with your family members. Be intentional with your friends. Be intentional with your church. None of us knows how much time we have left on this earth. Let us honor a man who fought the good fight and won the race by being intentional with our remaining time. 

Clay Carroll was a faithful follower of Jesus. He was a devoted husband and father. He was a kind and thoughtful friend. His life and dying are worth emulating. May we imitate his faith as we continue carrying the mantle until we are called home to be with the Lord.