Crumbling But Passionate!
Posted on Tuesday, October 6th, 2009
Prof!
Recently I spent an hour with one of the most important men in my life—Professor Howard Hendricks. I was in Dallas for a few days and scheduled some time in his office at Dallas Theological Seminary.
Prof has had a lot of health problems over the last few decades. On the outside he’s obviously not the dynamo I remember quickstepping across campus from one classroom to another where he kept us spellbound with the most effective teaching I ever sat under.
Back then, his energy seemed limitless, his strength seemed unrestricted, and his mind undiminishable.
It was obvious to me that my beloved mentor’s steps have slowed a little and his thoughts take a little longer to connect now days.
But I’ll tell you what has not changed: His passion for the Lord Jesus and his plans to serve Him.
No Rocking Chair
As he walked me through the department he built at the seminary, the fire in his heart to make a difference for Jesus by mentoring the next generation burned brighter than ever before. I remember thinking, “Prof sounds like he’s planning on serving Christ for another 100 years!”
My next thought made me give him a huge hug. “This is the way I want to go out!”
Who wants to find a rocking chair somewhere, and sit on a porch talking about what we “used” to do for the Lord Jesus?
Not Howard Hendricks. Not me!
Prof has a number of decades on me, but all of us are going to have to face the fact that our bodies are crumbling! His attitude toward old age is so refreshing…and radical.
The kind of radical attitudes only those who are sold out to Jesus Christ can have. His body’s falling apart; his mind is slowing down, but his heart is stronger than ever!
I don’t know about you, but I want to be just like Prof when I run the last lap of life. I want the people around me to look past my crumbling body to my passionate heart and say, “Now there’s a genuine follower of Jesus Christ!”
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.” (2 Corinthians 4:16)
2 Cor 4:16 is so apropos for me. I feel like my time’s a-wastin’ as I get older, and I am no closer to accomplishing something of significance for the Lord. I get “itchy” just thinking about missions, but I fully get that I’m not ready. But when? When Lord, when? I have so many faults, so many weaknesses, so many fears – how can I seriously think I can be used? But I can! And the Lord does use me – but I want more. What’s wrong with me?
Thank you for writing about your mentor.
I had the opportunity to hear Prof. Hendricks speak in York, PA several years ago and his love for the Lord and dedication to teaching others about the Lord stirred me, as at that time I was a new believer.
Recently I re-listened to the message he gave on discipleship and it was again a stirring reminder of my responsibility to disciple others in their walk with the Lord.
Thanks again for sharing a glimpse of Prof. Hendricks.
He’s an amazing man, and a real part of everything I do.