As I continue to reflect on the life and legacy of Timothy Keller, two Bible verses consistently come to mind:
1. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves…” (Philippians 2:3)
A recurring theme in the tributes of Keller that have flooded the internet in the past week was his kindness, gentleness, and humility. When talking to him, one reportedly didn’t get the impression that he or she was speaking to a “celebrity preacher.” Keller did not carry himself with an air of gravitas or a sense of self-importance. On the contrary, even in his interviews, he seemed uncommonly devoid of ego.
For a man of his size and stature, his presence was rather disarming and far less imposing. For a person of his reputation, he was relatively unassuming and even soft-spoken.
Encounters with Keller include testimonies of how gracious he was with his time. He would give strangers his full attention. He would even go out of his way to encourage those he had just met or was only vaguely acquainted with. In other words, he valued others above himself.
2. “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16)
Even before battling pancreatic cancer, Tim Keller knew that his time on this Earth was limited, and he wanted to make the most of it for God’s kingdom. Interestingly enough, for his first 35 years of ministry, his focus was mostly on being a pastor, a mentor, and an evangelist. He was in no rush to get published or to jump into the spotlight. But he was no less intentional with those that God had placed in his life, regardless of their station. That didn’t change once he became a household name.
Keller was never frantic or alarmist (he had a “non-anxious presence” about him), but he did approach ministry with a sense of urgency, knowing that our days are short. He “made the most of every opportunity” to proclaim the gospel and its implications to both Christians and non-Christians alike. He wanted Jesus Christ to be magnified in our increasingly post-Christian society, even in a place like Manhattan.
Even cancer didn’t seem to slow him down. He continued correspondence and communication, over email or Zoom, with those that he wanted to encourage or mentor. He continued to participate in an evangelistic group that met regularly over Zoom. He continued to write articles about cultural engagement or record videos about Christ-centered hermeneutics. The name of Christ drove him until the last days of his life here on Earth.
Conclusion
No one in their right mind is under the illusion that Tim Keller was perfect. He would be the first to admit as much. But it is safe to say that he was Christlike. And for young men like me in pastoral ministry, the two character traits above are worth aspiring toward.