Timeless Lessons from the exit of a Great General – Tribute to Dr. Myles Munroe by Isaac Oladipupo

Peradventure you don’t know, I happen to be one of the ‘priviledged’ few raised from a middle-class background. As a young, naïve teenager with big, scary dreams, I began searching for the right knowledge to drive my dreams quite early. With the help of rare friends like Samuel Olatunji, Gabriel Olatunji and Olutayo Ojo, I soon found solace in some good books. 

Though very helpful, something from my inside still craved for some superior substantiation, until I came in contact with a book titled In Pursuit of Purpose by Myles Munroe. Having devoured the book like I never read one before, something clearly changed about me – I discovered destiny. For the first time since birth, I came to fully realize who I truly am and why I’m here. My life’s purpose became clearer to me than my name. Whether I lived up to it or not was now left to me. 

Through Dr. Myles, God literally changed my reality from that point. Naturally, like magic, my results changed drastically and so did my circle of friends.

Dr. Myles at a speaking engagement in Nigeria

This explains why I spent my last vacation traveling to meet and see Dr. Myles speak live in Ibadan, Nigeria earlier this year; an impact I’m yet to recover from. Beyond being challenged by the strange power behind his original thoughts, I was also awed at his level of simplicity and humility.

On Sunday November 9th 2014, I really can’t explain what compelled me to pick up one of his books in my library. I found myself reading one of Dr. Myles’s classics – ‘The Principles and Power of Vision’ over again. I read the book until I went to bed only to wake, the following morning, to the tragic news about his passing away. “He died in a plane crash with his wife and six others yesterday Sunday 9th November 2014. They were on their way to the Global Leadership Forum he hosts annually in Bahamas…” my informant had stated.

Dr. Myles with wife, Ruth Muntoe

 I couldn’t help the tears nor comprehend the reality that Dr. Myles is gone and there’s no seeing him in the physical anymore. I had visualized him speaking at Daystar’s Excellence in Leadership Conference sometime soon, meeting him again one-on-one in the Bahamas or somewhere orchestrated. Now he’s gone – just like that! But then, exactly how do you mourn a man who finished strong and died empty?

Last photo taken by Dr. Myles and the passengers before the flight

“It is better that I go away, for if I go not, you won’t do greater works…” The Voice whispered into my spirit and instantly, grief gave way for peace. Then it occurred to me that one of the greatest acts of Christ was leaving. When he left, His disciples exploded the ministry because He had reproduced himself in them.

Truth is, nobody lives forever. The question, as I ponder on the exit of this great general, is “As a people, what legacy are we leaving, irrespective of what’s happening around us?” Like it or not, we all will die someday. But how many, amongst us, would leave a lasting legacy?

Dr. Myles with children, Charisa and Myles “Chairo” [Jr.]

In my opinion, if our success does not make other people successful, we have not succeeded. Success without a successor is failure, and legacy is about living beyond the grave by reproducing people greater than you. How many people have you re-produced? Like I told a friend, though Dr. Myles is gone, he is not dead as it were because his books, messages, ideas, institution and legacy will certainly outlive generations.

Dr. Myles doing what he came to do

Dr. Myles, trying to describe the quality of life you lived would be an effort in futility. Because you lived, I and millions others have found purpose. We are confident your last breath here was your first breath there. My heart is broken but I’m consoled by your exemplary life. I’m challenged to die empty. God helping me, I surely will. Thank you for a job well done.

A great general is gone!

We love you but God obviously loves you much more. See you again at His feet.
Goodnight Great Mentor!

Dr. Myles Munroe [1954-2014]. He died serving. He died effectively. He died empty. Will you?