Lessons From the Mountain Pt. 1
At first glance, the mountain is not much different than the other peaks that surround it. Apart from the University monogram that emblazons its hillside, there are no distinctives that set it apart. It does not stand higher than the others, like Mt. Rainier, it does not have rocky peaks like Everest, and it does not rise like El Capitan. But in terms of eternal impact, this mountain stands above them all! It was on this mountain that the Lord’s vision was bestowed, direction was given, healing was achieved, and promises were fulfilled. For myself and countless others, this mountain has become holy ground.
The miracle of the mountain is not that it is overly majestic, but rather the lineage of faith that accompanies its views. In 1971, Dr. Jerry Falwell founded the University that sits at the foot of this mountain, envisioning a world-class university that would be to evangelicals what Notre Dame is to Catholics and Brigham Young is to Mormons. In the 54 years since that date, Liberty University has risen to prominence as the largest Christian university in the world, with the purpose of “Training Champions for Christ” bannered above them, fulfilling that vision. True to the founder’s vision, Liberty has become a beacon of Christian influence in an increasingly post-Christian culture, welcoming world leaders, cultural influencers, and gifted speakers every week to its arenas and auditoriums. Its commencement stages have been graced by Presidents of the United States (Trump and Carter), governors, senators, and doctors. Athletically, Liberty is among the elite in the nation, having achieved multiple trips to NCAA championships, New Year's Six bowl games in football, and regular exposure on national television. Whether on the field, in the classroom, on the stage, or behind the pulpit, Liberty University is a beacon of excellence in devotion to Christ.
To fully understand the eternal impact of this place, we must first go back to the beginning before the vision was realized. In those days, there was no Williams Stadium or Demoss Hall, no Freedom Tower or Falwell Library, only trees and farmland. In 1972, while walking through the trees of Liberty Mountain, with a vision for the future on his heart, Dr. Falwell prayed for the provision of land to build his newly created Lynchburg Baptist College into the University in his vision. By the end of the decade, the land he prayed for, the land on which the campus now sits, was fully in the hands of the University. Today, a hike to the top of the mountain reveals a plaque and monument commemorating God's provision of that land. The monument displays a picture of the land in 1972 before the campus was built and a statement of the history that took place. Sadly, Dr. Falwell did not live to see what his vision has become as he passed away in 2007, but his legacy and vision live on today through the University he founded.
As a multi-time alumnus who has personally had his life changed by this University, I am eternally grateful to the vision of Dr. Falwell and the hand of God that directed that vision to fruition. On the day Dr. Falwell passed away, he spent the day on top of the mountain speaking with students in the same gazebo where God would change my life a decade later and where I would propose to Abby. As I reflect on my times on the mountain and the lessons I have learned sitting on its vistas, I am reminded of the encouragement of Dr. Falwell to have a Big Hairy Audacious Goal (BHAG). The type of goal that requires an act of God and His direct involvement to make it happen. Sitting on the mountain looking at the campus of Liberty University, there may not be a clearer picture of this concept, as it is the definition of a BHAG that has come to fruition.
It is the default of most people to take the path of least resistance, to seek the easy way out, or to pursue the safest route possible, which sounds like a rational proposition. The problem is that deep within the heart of every individual is the desire for greatness and to make a lasting impact on the world around them. Leaving a legacy worthy of remembrance requires more than just showing up and living life. It requires action, sacrifice, vision, and a goal or purpose that is so big, so hairy, and so audacious that its achievement would be unbelievable. The Christian life is largely driven by these principles, and in itself, not an easy feat. It will stretch you and require everything from you, but if you dig into and pursue the BHAG that God has written on your heart, you will leave a legacy that cannot be erased.
I conclude with this question. What is your Big Hairy Audacious Goal? What are you yearning for that is so big or outlandish that it seems impossible? My challenge for you is this: find that desire, the one that is so big you are scared to even try pursuing because you know it is beyond you, and chase it down! Seek God, chase after it with his provision and direction, and don’t stop because with God, the impossible becomes possible. Those labeled too dumb to go to college become Doctors, empty fields become thriving universities, and shepherds become kings. To paraphrase the late Dr. Falwell, “Don’t tell God how big your goal is, tell your goal how big God is.”
