The Legacy of the “Other” Elder
[By Brad Turner]
This reflection is forty years in the making. The impact of an individual in my life is still being felt. He has passed on to his reward, but his legacy remains for good, and to some extent, although no fault of his, for bad. A long time ago there was a small to medium sized congregation of the Lord’s people with two very good elders. Yes, they were human and some missteps in judgment were made over the years, but those of us who criticize the decisions of elders constantly should try an attempt to walk in their shoes, but enough of the editorializing.
Both were hard working for the Lord. Both could lead singing, but one was better at it and led singing more often. Both could give “invitations” and “lessons”, but one was more apt at public speaking and had a bit more mental readiness of scriptures. Both taught classes, but one taught the “adult” class more, and the other one taught the “teen” class more. They worked together very well. There was mutual respect and a synergy. From the outside, you might assume that one of these men was the “dominant elder”. That was simply not the case. One’s personality may have been more felt by their openness socially, but this was an equal partnership in guiding the flock in that location. Both of these men were dearly loved and respected. Both elders did a lot of work for the group that many did not realize or know about.
So why do I bring up the “other elder”? I remember this individual’s actions that seem insignificant, yet here I am years later recounting them. He and his wife were first ones at the building every service (the other elder and his wife were a “close second” every service!). Either straightening up books, tracts, or restrooms. Every family had “building clean up” duties, just as we have, yet this man was out with a broom every service before anyone arrived sweeping the porch and front walkway of the building. He was there to greet everyone when they arrived. Always with a smile on his face. He helped with maintenance of the building if needed. He was available to help without hesitation to any member for their physical and spiritual needs. He was present without fail. If he was not at a service, he was really sick. There was no place he would rather be! Again, both elders excelled in this capacity, but looking back, although neither did the work with a lot of fanfare, the “other” elder’s work did not seem to be as noticed, or the flock may have gone to the one more than “the other” as the initial step in contacting the elders. Whatever the case, his work seemed almost intangible. It was there. It was done. Could someone write down a list? Hard to say. However, I am writing about it now. The impact on me as a young boy cannot be overstated. I have often thought, “If I ever become an elder, I want to be like that!” Boy, have I fallen short of the mark!
What a legacy! He had unknowingly set a mark that, as an elder in 2022, I am still striving to reach. As this year continues, and we hear lessons, study, and have a meeting in the fall about our work in the kingdom, we must understand that no matter our role, nothing is insignificant in the service of the Lord!
Do you know what the malleus, incus, and stapes are? They are the three smallest bones in the human body. They are located in your ear, and they transmit vibrations from the air to the inner ear – so you can hear! Where would we be without those little things? Do they “not belong in the body” (1 Corinthians 12:16, ESV)? Our actions for good in the service of the kingdom, no matter how seemingly insignificant, can have long reaching impact upon those we come into contact with – don’t ever forget that in your daily service!
Nevertheless, your actions and attempts to be a good servant and example cannot take others to Heaven with you. This is the sad part of the story of the “other elder”. One child has abandoned their faith, and the other, as far as I know has not, but indicators point in that direction. No grandchild (one maybe?) is currently a faithful servant of God.
What happened?
Do you consider Joshua a strong example of faith?
How about Jehoiada (our current study on Saturday morning)?
Of course you do. We all see these men of faith as examples of a life dedicated in service to God. Yet after their passing, we see another story unfold.
Consider these passages:
Judges 2:7-8, 10b (ESV) – “And the people served the Lord all the days of Joshua, who had seen all the great work that the Lord had done for Israel. And Joshua died at the age of 110 years…And there arose another generation after them who did know the Lord or the work that he had done for Israel.”
2 Chronicles 24:17-18 (ESV) – “Now after the death of Jehoiada, the princes of Judah came and paid homage to the king. The king listened to them. And they abandoned the house of the Lord, the God of their fathers, and served the Ashram and the idols. And wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for this guilt of theirs.”
Sadly, as was mentioned in one of our Saturday morning studies, we cannot latch ourselves spiritually to a person. Our anchor, our faith must be in God! Faithful men and women have left legacies of faithful children because part of their faith was to teach their children to have a faith of their own! Sadly, as it has been evident, some base their faith ON the faith of others, and when that person is no longer physically with them, their faith collapses.
This year, let us all do what we can in our service to God, and not rely on the work (or faith) of others to do it for us. This will help strengthen our own faith, and hopefully leave a lasting legacy of faith in those that follow.