This morning I happened to read the description of a map
featured on our “Old Maps” calendar. These words stood out to me: “The most
costly book printed in the 17th century, the 12-volume Atlas Major was Joan Blaeu’s magnum
opus, fulfilling the dream of his late father, Willem Janzoon Blaeu, to publish
the world’s greatest atlas.”
How many of us have heard of Joan Blaeu (or his father
Willem Janzoon Blaeu)? I certainly had not. In his time, his work was
considered the greatest ever, but today it could never seriously be used.
How do we measure the worth of our work? I do believe that
God put us on earth for a purpose – in fact, for many purposes. A fundamental
shift in my own heart took place when I began to understand – as a fairly “experienced”
Christian and missionary” – that passing along the news about Him was not in
fact the only reason God created us. Originally, it was to be like Him, to do
good, creative, innovative and exciting work, to tend to creation, to make the
world a better place. In fact, whenever God calls us to do something, that is a
spiritual call. He is the one who decides what to ask of us, and it is
obedience that is required – not aspiring to some sort of false scale of spirituality
with missionaries and pastors on top (not to mention apostles, and any new
terms we invent!).
Joan and his father contributed to the world of geography,
and to the knowledge that we have today, from which have come many things that
I personally enjoy (although even the world’s best map at the time did not
include the lovely state of Washington). Their work was good. If they did it
for the Lord and in response to His call, it was very good, and I am sure God
smiled on it and gave them the strength to accomplish it.
But there is still an emotional tug on me as I read the
description of their work. If I succeed in my dreams, how quickly will they
become history? Superseded, built upon perhaps, forgotten? If we – all who are
reading this – succeed in making our works of art, literature, education,
architecture, and medicine the greatest that the world has seen to date, what
will that gain us in another 400 years? It is also worth asking this.
Ultimately there are very few “bests” that will not be bested, records that
will not be broken, greats that will not be superseded. Being the best is
temporary and highly subjective. There is no lasting glory in that.
There is, however, at least one thing that will not be outdone in
future generations: the effects you have on this one. Future generations cannot
bless this generation. There is no one else.
It does not cease to be an honor to produce any work in
response to the glory of God’s world – and especially, His call to do so. But let’s
dream with the heart of God. All work is good that He gives, but let Him give
you the best He has in mind for you. Love God. Love people. Let your call be
shaped and molded and driven by that Love. The glory of loving others well will
never fade or be outdone, on earth or in heaven, forever.
