Evangelical preacher Oral Roberts died today.

My friend Lynny attended his school—which, predictably, is named Oral Roberts University—so I went there once for a weekend visit.

I was impressed by the range of programs the small school offered, and by their holistic approach to education. I was also amazed to learn that the university’s lavish hospital treated poor people for free.

A couple of years after my visit to his campus, Oral Roberts took to the air and told his followers that unless he raised $8 million, God would “call him home.”

Unfortunately, that’s what first came to mind today when I read about his death. It was a sad reminder of how quickly a thoughtless action (or a few errant words) can damage a life’s legacy.