As I gain more miles on the life oldometer I reflect more and more about leaving a legacy. For many years I thought that meant having a successful career or maybe writing a bestselling book.
In recent years I have been blessed with many friends who have shown me what it means to leave a legacy. The irony is that five of the men who continue to show me what it means to leave a lasting legacy are living in the eternal company of Jesus. They showed me that leaving a legacy is living your life in a way that shows the love and grace of Jesus.
If I wrote the impact of each of these friends it would make this a very long read so I decided to share one thing from each that resonates in my heart consistently and powerfully.
John Weber was a collegiate wrestler who also wrestled with the acclaimed Athletes in Action traveling team. He was most well known as the chaplain of the Dallas Cowboys before he died suddenly from a heart attack. The memory that I will always cherish about John is what happened every single time I saw him. John would smile his warm smile. Then he would take my hand with both of his hands, move right into my space, furrow his brow, look deeply into my eyes and ask, “how are you doing?”. The difference with John Weber was that he really meant that question. If you needed three hours to tell him what was going on he would never glance at his watch. That is why he believed God placed him on this earth. To tell people about Jesus and disciple those who knew Him. This quote from him lives in my heart.
“God does not call us to be spectacular. He calls us to be faithful.”
Brad Johnson was a pastor and friend who also died unexpectedly. Brad did not have a high profile ministry career in the pulpit or media. His ministry mirrored his role as an offensive lineman at the University of Nebraska. He was a vital contributor but not a star. Offensive lineman learn early in their careers that their efforts are the primary reason that quarterbacks and running backs make headlines. The backs get the glory while the linemen get dirtied and banged up. Offensive linemen are great teammates who don’t care about themselves. It is about the team being successful and moving toward the goal. That was Brad. He was always the one willing to do the work no one else wanted to do. He invested in others selflessly. He often made this statement about his goal in life.
“I want to make much about Jesus and less about me.”
A few years ago I made friends with Newton High School football coach W.T. Johnston. We decided to work together to produce a book about his faith story during incredible health challenges. I inbedded into his life for over a year and it was one of the most inspiring relationships I have ever experienced. W.T. showed his team (and me) how to live until you die. His incredible courage showed me that God’s presence in a dark season of your life allows you to be a light to others even as you move through that dark valley. W.T. got a chance to read the rough draft of his story (Between the White Lines) before he went to be with Jesus. His last words to me when I visited him at his home was the phrase he constantly repeated to keep focused on his faith.
“Keep your eyes on the Cross.”
Chris Taylor was a dear friend who served in the Wylie, Texas Police department. But Chris served way more than when he was on the job. He had a heart for serving others that made a huge impact on my heart. We often reference the verse from John 13:34 as a goal.
So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. (NLT)
Chris lived that command of Jesus by being there to help others without fanfare. He passed away from cancer but one of his sayings will stick with me until my time comes.
“If I can help someone I don’t need to think or pray about it. I just do it.”
Many of you know about my friend Jeff Denton who passed away from cancer earlier this year. Pastor Jeff’s journey demonstrated that you make a choice when life takes a tough turn. You can either quit or you can live fully in each moment for as long as you can. We witnessed Jeff showing up for church and church events when he clearly did not feel his best. But he showed up with joy in his heart and spirit. Jeff’s favorite scripture about God’s will is found in 1 Thessalonians.
Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:15-18, NLT)
Jeff shared that verse with us. Then he lived it.
Jeff made a comment one day while we discussed the challenge of living for Jesus in this difficult world. I honestly shared a not so good reaction I recently had to another person’s comments. His words resonate in my heart daily.
“Reacting in the flesh is not necessarily sin. We are human. Staying there and not depending on the love and grace of God is sin.”
I used to beat myself up over bad reactions. Now I remember that advice and give it to God.
I think we will be surprised when we get to Heaven. The famous and noted religious leaders may have gotten their due here on this planet. I think we will find out it was humble and selfless servants like my friends mentioned above that God used to make His Kingdom grow the most.
Want to leave a powerful legacy? Meditate on this verse.
Instead of being motivated by selfish ambition or vanity, each of you should, in humility, be moved to treat one another as more important than yourself. Each of you should be concerned not only about your own interests, but about the interests of others as well. (Philippians 2:3-4, NET)
I know that I have the Holy Spirit to give me strength and wisdom in my journey. I have God’s Word to grow my knowledge of Him. But it is also helpful to have people who live the love of Jesus in real time as you share life with them.
When I feel guilty that something didn’t work as I had hoped I hear John Weber’s words.
“God does not call us to be spectacular. He calls us to be faithful.”
On days when I wonder if I am doing what I should be I remember Brad Johnson.
“I want to make much about Jesus and less about me.”
W.T. Johnston words help me when I grow despondent over the state of our world.
“Keep your eyes on the Cross.”
When I wonder if I should help someone when I have a chance Chris Taylor’s servant heart comes to mind.
“If I can help someone I don’t need to think or pray about it. I just do it.”
And when I feel guilt or shame about a bad thought or reaction the words of Pastor Jeff ring true.
A reaction in the flesh is not necessary sin but staying there certainly can be.
I look forward to reuniting with these five and many more family and friends someday. What a glorious hope to have in this challenging season we are enduring.
(Note: If you want to read more about any or all of these friends click on their name)
