GlocalNet

This week, I’ve been in a meeting with Loren Cunningham, and, wow! what a passion, a vision, a drive, and a love for God he has. I was learning so much from him about global engagement and other issues. He sees the future so clearly. It doesn’t matter that he’s 70. His best work, frankly, may be what he’s doing now. But, had he not been faithful in the small, risky things years ago, he wouldn’t be heard like he is and, I believe, will be by the broader church. As I was going to meet with him, I was traveling with Leighton Ford--another man who’s had a massive impact on my life. At 75, he stands as tall and as sharp as ever with keen insight and unbounded energy. As we were driving, we passed where Billy Graham lives. He said, “they’re getting weaker and older and it’s hard on them but they keep going.” When I got to the meeting, Steve Douglas was there—recently having taken over the reigns from Bill Bright--another giant. I want to finish like those guys.

In their youth, they blazed trails as pioneers and adventurers in ministry. In their midyears, they leveraged their influence and engaged society at significant levels. In their senior years, they continued to think, plan, see the future and position the ideas and leaders to come.

For all of them to do what they’ve done has taken entire lives--not just spurts and specialties. Father, I pray that I will finish like that—but, when my time is done, others will run on ahead because I’ve left them a fire, a wheel, and a network. Peter Drucker impacted Bob Buford pretty dramatically. I never met Drucker, but have read his books and heard him quoted, and benefited. I have met Buford and Drucker lives on in him, and will be passed on through me to young pastors and others. Legacy is created by value and impact that extends beyond oneself. Father, may that be true of me when I’m 95.