A Small Giant Graduates to Heaven

My office is located in the Seth Wilson Library building on the campus of Ozark Christian College. Seth Wilson, 92 years young, beloved professor and founder of the college, went home to be with Jesus on Monday, December 11, 2006. His imprint is evident in my life and in the very cultural fabric of the institution. Though he has not taught classes for many years, he has maintained an office in the building that bears his name. He was normally present on Tuesdays and Thursday in our chapel services. The last time I saw him was last Thursday morning after our chapel service. My good friend, James McCracken (from Muskogee, Oklahoma), had preached the final chapel service for our year. Bro. Wilson (as those who knew him well addressed him) stepped forward to offer gracious words about James' sermon. Bro. Wilson was small in stature, but was a spiritual giant. His life exemplified the core values of our institution:

• The Word of Christ Taught in the Spirit of Christ (Colossians 1:18)
• Not to Be Served but to Serve (Mark 10:45)
• Speaking the Truth in Love (Ephesians 4:15)
• Trusting in the Power of God and Seeking the Glory of God (1 Corinthians 4:20; Isaiah 42:8)
• Atmosphere of Grace, Trust, and Freedom (Romans 15:7; 1 Peter 4:10)
• Restoring Biblical Christianity (John 17:21)
• Worship in Spirit and in Truth (John 4:23-24)

Colleagues who also had the privilege of studying under him frequently quote him. My favorite quote, to which I aspire as a teacher is this: "What we teach you to know is not as important as who we teach you to love." Thank you, Lord, for the life and legacy of Seth Wilson.

On a side note, as I read his obituary in the Joplin Globe, I realized (I think for the first time), that we were born in the same city, Maryville, Missouri. I am proud to have followed his footsteps.