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The Rev. Charles M. Garriott has written books about the importance of praying for some of the most powerful people in the world — U.S. presidents.
Now, the Washington, D.C.-based author is trying to help individuals see how the love and power believers have through Christ are designed to steer them clear of the troubles brought by narcissism, selfishness and other negative traits.
In the former Oklahoma City pastor's new book “Love and Power: Glimpses of the Gospel for Those Addicted to Self (www.loveandpowerbook.com),” he shares how an inflated sense of self easily produced both in and out of the political realm, may be conquered by examining the example of Christ in the Gospel.
He served as senior pastor of a metro-area house of worship called Heritage Presbyterian Church in America for 20 years and also started a chaplaincy program at the Oklahoma Capitol that currently is being led by another minister. His previous books include “Prayers for Trump,” “Obama Prayer,” “Rulers: Gospel and Government” and “Work Excellence: A Biblical Perspective of Work.”
Garriott discussed his latest book during a recent return visit to Oklahoma City. The interview has been edited for clarity and length.
Q: What made you decide to write this book?
A: I've been away from Oklahoma and in Washington, D.C., for 16 years, and to be honest with you, part of the reason is because I have developed a love for the people in government, whether they're in Washington or other in other places. ... They are real people who have real backgrounds and stories, and whether they have anything to do or want anything to do with the Gospel or not, they have families and they have fears. The other side of the answer is that I also love the Gospel, and I believe that people in government will find themselves in very difficult circumstances. It's a very difficult job.
... I have a concern that they would be exposed to the truths of the Gospel, relative to their person and their work. I don't talk about any individuals for the most part. This is not about exposing people. But I do find that people who end up in government, that it's an easy tendency for them to become relatively consumed with themselves. And I say that in a friendly way. ... I thought to some degree, if they really had a better understanding of the Gospel, I believe it could be a help to them.
Q: How did you put the book together? What are the central themes?
A: There are two themes. The first half of it basically talks about the definition of the Gospel. I do believe there are a lot of people, even Christians, who are a little bit confused about what the Gospel is. In the second half, I give examples of the ways the Gospel should be lived out in our lives. I say to people in leadership, there is something in the Gospel for you, in terms of how you view other people, in terms of go about your work and your position, whatever it is.
Q: Can you talk about one or two of the chapters?
A: One of the chapters is on rest because I believe that if you are truly embracing the Gospel, you will find that one of the things that's going to be critical is to have what I call biblical rest. ... Another chapter is on the whole dynamic of biblical love. The prototype I use in the book is the rich young ruler in Mark 10.