I am currently working on a project to network like-minded pastors and churches in Eastern Washington and as I wipe the dust that accumulates in the desert climate I think of God words in Genesis of how man is from dust and will return to dust. Certainly in Christ we have new hope for life and restoration but we are still faced with the reality that our personalities and momentary influence are passing away and if our legacy is not pointing others to Christ it is all for not.
R.T. Kendall took over the pulpit of one of the great preachers of modern times, Dr. Martin Lloyd-Jones. In assuming that pulpit and pastoral role Kendall found it much easier than you would think. It was because Lloyd-Jones “left a congregation that loved the Gospel more than a good sermon, preaching more than liturgy, and God Himself more than a form of godliness.” To leave any congregation I am part of with a greater love of the gospel than a love for me – is my goal. It should be any minister’s goal. Too often we are infatuated with our brand and distinctive appeal at the loss of the truth of the gospel. This is pitiful and pointless.
Let us be about gospel legacy, after all, what we build will most likely return to dust…