A group of older men stare daily through my office doorway. The wall across the hall features the portraits of my predecessors. Ten photographs depict the previous pastors appointed to Northside Church. The portraits of the nine men (Bill Floyd served twice) testify to the congregation’s rich pastoral heritage.

 Seven of the nine clergy have died, going from the church militant to the church triumphant. The two surviving pastors retired years ago but continue to serve in various ways. My antecedents’ example inspires me to honor a legacy of leadership in this congregation and community.

The pictures promote a spirit of humility in my soul. I am but the latest in a line of clergy to serve Northside Church. One day my photograph will hang on the wall, too. I will stare across the hallway at my successors.

The Lord calls us to serve faithfully in our appointed place and time. We remember the past and anticipate the future, but we serve God here and now. Our work is for the moment, which will quickly pass; but we trust that our words and deeds carry eternal import.

A group of older men stare daily through my office doorway. One day I hope to earn the right to join them. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” (Hebrews 12:1-1)