journey onWord with us

As a youngster, Cowboys and Indians was a fun game. But the truth is, I don’t know much about the culture of Native Americans. In my reading over the last few days, my life was challenged by Korczak Ziolkowski who was commissioned in 1948 to design a mountain carving to honor the famous Native American leader Crazy Horse. The carving of Crazy Horse is nine times larger than the faces on Mt Rushmore. Mr. Ziolkowski died in 1982 after more than three decades of work, and his family is still carving with a projected completion date of 2050. While the carving, its subject and the continuing work are certainly fascinating, it was the words of the original carver as noted in a book I just finished by Mark Batterson (Do It For a Day – p. 173) that intrigued me.

Korczak Ziolkowski said, “When your life is over, the world will ask you one question. Did you do what you were supposed to do?” More specifically, the words “did you do what you were supposed to do” were what caused me to ponder. At the end of our lives, we’ll want to have accomplished what the Father has created and designed us to do. But how do we start, from the place we find ourselves on the threshold of 2022? Spiritual “logic” would tell us, gain His timeless insight and apply it to our everyday lives. That is what every Christ-follower is “supposed to do.”

If not careful, we can all create a set of “supposed to do’s” that may not be the Father’s best design for us. In my life, there’s been a lot of effort and emphasis placed on serving Him — but often not before listening to His will and Word. At this point in life, I must start with the Word (timeless insight) and then listen to the Spirit’s prompting on how to apply it. This model slows me down, causes me to trust today and then leave tomorrow for … well, tomorrow. You can probably relate to the same tendencies — seeking to serve, getting consumed with life, then living with a little (or maybe a lot) of underlying frustration. So, in the first few steps into 2022, I encourage you to slow down, commit to the Word, and trust Him today. Then, follow the same pattern tomorrow.

Quite frankly, I don’t know everything I am supposed to do in 2022 (and beyond). What I do know for sure is that it starts with knowing God, and His will, as best I can. For me, that starts with His insight which starts with His Word. If you know Christ as your Savior, I’ll assume you have the same desire. If you and I have consistency in seeking His Word and His will, I believe there’s a great chance that people will say of us one day, “He/she did what they were supposed to do.”

In 2 Timothy, Paul’s words to his companion in ministry give us a picture of what can be …

But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you. As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.
2 Timothy 4:5-8 (NLT)

Without a doubt, I believe Paul did what he was supposed to do! So can you and I! Christ-follower, start 2022 by seeking God through His Word every day, eyes, ears and heart open, trusting Him for today and leaving tomorrow for tomorrow. In this way, you’ll be ready to respond by doing what you are supposed to do — the good things God’s prepared for you, and only you, to do.

OF UTMOST IMPORT: If you are beginning the New Year without confidence that you know Christ as your Savior, send us a note at journeyonwordwithus@gmail.com, and we reach out and help you understand what it means to have a relationship with Christ.