Who Do You Want To Be?

Do you want to be remembered, respected, published and known, or do you want to train men and change the world?

In all likelihood, the world will not long remember W. Austin Gardner. Even the relatively small universe of fundamentalists does not and will not know this name. When the day comes that the pulpit is forever bereft of his presence, it is doubtful that he will leave a congregation of thousands in his wake. Unless he is sent to prison, or becomes a hermit, no lengthy Bible commentaries are likely to be written.

What he will leave is a core group of men of the Book; leaders and men-trainers who will change their world; a group whose lives were forever changed because this man chose to invest his time and energy in developing their character and walk with God. His words of wisdom are written on the lives and hearts of people, not paper.

His life work, his ministry, is the building ministries that are not his own; his glory is the glory of others, and thus, God's glory.
Why would a charismatic and gifted leader devote his time, talent, and treasure to build everyone around him; let himself be used and derided, humiliated, scorned, and under-appreciated?

The simple answer is because he has sought to emulate the One that is his life and joy. He leads by example because Christ led by example. He invests because Christ invested. He gives because his Saviour gave all.

The world may not remember W. Austin Gardner, but those who carry a part of his life engrafted on their very soul will never forget him, and the Jesus that he represents. More than this, his God will never forget his sacrifices and labor.

Little glory lays before my Pastor in this life, because he doesn't seek it. In fact, he will in all likelihood "rip my face off" (a great Gardnerism) for writing praise about him, but I know that God will honor him one day, because he has honored God with his life.

At times I am tempted to desire fame and posterity when I think about my ministry, but how much greater to be a true servant, and let God change the world around me with a life of sacrifice!