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…and the common people heard him gladly. (Mark 12:37)

Earlier this week, Vernon Jordan died.

A civil rights icon, Mr. Jordan led a decorated and distinguished life, including stints as the president of the National Urban League, and Chairman of President Bill Clinton’s Transition Team. The Howard University graduate sat on several corporate boards, and was responsible for mentoring dozens of highly influential African American business leaders.

One astute observer called him the “Rosa Parks” of Wall Street. But despite his sterling credentials, outstanding accomplishments, and distinguished contributions, and as comfortable as Jordan was in the gilded corridors of power, my affection for him stems from the fact that he never lost the common touch.

My father once told me to never admire someone who you don’t know, because when you meet them you will probably be disappointed. I can confirm the accuracy of his statement. On far too many occasions, I have met people back stage who I admired while they were on stage, only to be gravely disappointed.

Mr. Jordan is one of the rare exceptions.

I never met him personally. However, I invited him to be the guest speaker at a special event at a church I once pastored. I had never met him, didn’t know anyone who knew him, but I borrowed a page from the character Bud Fox in the movie Wall Street . I figured if I kept on calling he might call me back, and that the worst thing that could happen is that he would say no. I think I started calling his office two years before the actual event, and called almost every day. HIs secretary would always tell me “Mr. Jordan is not available. After a few months of this weekly ritual we would laugh, for I would repeat her canned response before she could.

One day I was in my office and the phone rang. A deep voice boomed through the receiver after I picked up the call. “This is Vernon Jordan calling for Pastor Robinson.” I could scarcely believe my ears. He told me that he appreciated my invitation, would be unable to attend, but volunteered his assistance to help me find a suitable replacement, an offer that I eagerly accepted. When we hung up, I said to myself “Well, I guess that’s why he’s Vernon Jordan.”

I did not know him. I had never met him. And yet, he not only returned my call but offered to help (which he did). I will never forget the gift he gave me. This act of simple courtesy from so distinguished a man touched me deeply. What I realized is that Mr. Jordan had the common touch.

The common touch has nothing to do with the car you drive, the clothes you wear, or the house you live in.

The common touch has nothing to do with your salary, your race, or your education.

The common touch is the ability to interact with different types of individuals from all walks of life, and to treat each of them with dignity, compassion, and respect.

In his poem If, Rudyard Kipling suggests that one of the great challenges of life is the dual ability to “walk with crowds and keep your virtue” and to “walk with Kings and not lose the common touch.” Neither are easy, and the latter may be harder. But keeping the common touch will get you further faster, and keep you there longer. I read once that one of the marks of greatness is how you treat people who can’t do anything for you.

This is what people remembered about our Lord. Jesus just didn’t walk with Kings, he IS the King of Kings. Yet, wherever he went, vast crowds of ordinary people gathered. The scripture says that “the common people” heard him gladly. He told stories about mothers sweeping floors, fathers losing sons, and farmers planting seed. He was not impressed by class, constrained by race, or deceived by success. Jesus recognized that underneath all of the layers, titles, fences, and distinctions that we hide behind, we all bleed red, all are sinners, and are all in need of forgiveness, mercy, and grace.

So.

Make me a promise.

Promise that WHEREVER God takes you, you will NEVER lose the common touch.