This week I have been at the Evangelical Theological Society national convention in San Antonio. It is a gathering of 3,000 theologians to share papers, learn, argue, and renew friendships. I have been going for many years and this year I had the blessing of seeing many of my former students who are in positions of significant ministry impacting the church. The bad news is, that means I’m getting older… But older is not necessarily bad if wisdom comes with age. As Andy Rooney reminds us, “It’s paradoxical that the idea of living a long life appeals to everyone. But the idea of getting old does not appeal to anyone.”
I feel extremely fortunate and blessed by the Lord to have been able in invest my life into faithful men who are teaching other faithful men, who will teach other faithful men. This principle from 2 Timothy 2:2 is the Lord’s method for a ministry of multiplication. I have sought to live by this principle as a pastor and professor for the past 50 years. I have been planting trees under whose shade I shall never sit.
I hope that you view your life as an investment of a lifetime and as an investment of your life into others. It may be your children, grandchildren, or others’ children. It may be through your church or some para-church organization. Giving information is good but incarnating the truth is best. The Lord desires to wrap truth around people so that others may see and learn and imitate. This is the great commission. Make Disciples!
How are you doing at making disciples?
Serving Him with you Until He comes for us. Fred | 
