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Some Observations Of “The Meanest Man In Texas”

Human interest stories have always been fascinating and interesting to me, because in reading some of these stories which tell of an ungodly and sinful life, I’m motivated to look inside myself and think, “There but for the grace of God, go I.” These stories also motivate me to ask myself the question, “What causes people to do what they do — what motivates people to do evil things to others?”

And then I read the fascinating true story of Clyde Thompson, dubbed “The Meanest Man In Texas” (a review of the book – the book can be purchased at Amazon.com).

The following are some observations that came to me after reading about this man who “came to himself” (Luke 15:17) after he read and studied a Bible that was given to him by a prison guard:

1) A lot of the trouble folks get into is because of a hardened conscience [heart] (cf. Hebrews 3:7-12). The Bible speaks of the conscience that is “past feeling” (Ephesians 4:17-19) or one that has been “seared with a hot iron” (1 Timothy 4:1-2). Their lusts dominate all of their feelings, direct their thoughts, and end up causing them to have a perverted sense of judgment — not able to judge correctly and rightly (James 1:14-15).

The New Testament calls it “a reprobate mind” (marginal reading – “a mind void of judgment” – Romans 1:28 KJV; cf. 2 Timothy 3:8 KJV)  Essentially, they “choose” to separate themselves from God and from a God-motivated life (Romans 1:21-32; cf. Isaiah 59:1-2).

2) Another reason that folks do bad things, is they have been raised in an environment where good and right are not promoted. Parents can either “make” or “break” a child’s future by simply not living right before them (see the contrast of Eli and his sons in 1 Samuel 2 with Timothy and the good influence of his mother, grandmother, and Paul in 2 Timothy 1:1-5; 2 Timothy 3:14-15).

This is why the teaching in Deuteronomy 6:1-14 and Ephesians 6:4 is so important for the future welfare of our children and grandchildren (cf. Psalm 78:1-8). We must not only teach them right (through God‘s righteous Word – Psalm 119:7,137,138,142,144,172), but provide a right example before them as well.

3) Lastly, people who do evil things are usually around people who do evil things. Paul tells us that “Evil company corrupts good habits” (1 Corinthians 15:33; “good morals” (1 Corinthians 15:33 ESV).

The principle of influence, either for good or evil, is found in 1 Corinthians 5:6-7; cf. Gal. 5:9; 2 Timothy 2:16-18; 1 Timothy 1:18-20). Choosing good companions, who will in turn provide a good influence, is key to how a person conducts himself in life.

Thank God that through the soul saving power of the gospel (Romans 1:16; 1 Corinthians 1:18), Clyde Thompson turned his life around, leading many souls to Christ.

Brethren and friends, if we ever think that our problems are insurmountable, let’s reread the life of Clyde Thompson, “The Meanest Man In Texas,” and then come to know the life-changing power of the gospel (Acts 2; Acts 8).