In his book, The Conviction to Lead, Albert Mohler tells of his visit to the historic First Baptist Church of Dallas, where iconic pastor Dr. W.A. Criswell served. At the end of the worship service, Pastor Criswell stood before the congregation and welcomed some of the new members.  Among those new members was a young boy who recently was saved and baptized.  Dr. Criswell told the audience that he not only had the privilege to baptize the boy, but years ago he baptized his father.  Then he testified of baptizing the grandfather years before he baptized the father.

     Criswell had been in the pastorate at that moment for nearly half a century.  He had preached, baptized, and served that one particular family for three generations.  Such a thing is only accomplished through perseverance, determination, and patience.

     A good legacy is confirmed by the impression, influence, and investment one makes in the lives of others.  You will have to be willing to stay in your area of service during hard and difficult times to leave a legacy- it is built upon the back of dependability.  As Mohler contends, “If you want to make a lasting difference, you had better make the commitment to endure.  Otherwise, your influence will disappear about as fast as the stationery with your name on it.”