I sat at the graduation ceremony for a Cambodian school, which our new friend Daniel owns and operates. Let me rephrase that, I sat in a posh golden throne in the front row of a graduation ceremony, wondering why I was being treated with such honor. I was sandwiched between Smiles (my husband) with Daniel just beyond him, and Lydia, the 12 year old daughter of Bill (a pastor in Texas) who sat just beyond her. Before pastoring the church in Texas, Bill had spent 4 years of his life teaching English to many of our new Cambodian friends.
The day before the ceremony, I sat in a coffee shop with Bill, Smiles and 6 men who were being ordained the following morning (and one of their families). These were all some of Bill’s former students. As we were sitting in the coffee shop, it occurred to me that all but one of the men who were being ordained were teachers, principals, and owners of local schools.
While sitting in my throne, enthralled by the spectacle of this graduation ceremony full of celebratory dances and performances, Daniel leaned over and said “This is all because of Bill. He taught all of us English, and now we are running our own schools!” And then I understood why I was sitting in a throne. It wasn’t because of me. It was because of Bill. He was the most honored guest!
My mind immediately went to the Apostles. One Man (the God-Man) poured His life into teaching 12 men (one of which would betray Him and be replaced by someone who formerly betrayed Him), and those 12 men would change the world for the rest of its existence. Just like Bill had taught these men English so they could grow to change Cambodia through the Gospel and education.
This beautiful illustration lived out before me reminds me that our lives are but a vapor, yet our legacy as Christians lasts much longer. Many of us will raise kids and change the world (for either good or bad) through their lives and their descendants’ lives. We will say things to people which will change the trajectory of their lives. We will shape the world by our existence and the sacrifices we make to further the Gospel and bless humanity. It is easy enough to feel like all we are doing is setting one foot in front of the other to simply survive our time here, but we only know in part and see in part.
Joseph was a man like us. He had a broken story. He lost his mom at a young age. His brothers were so jealous of him they hated him, mocked him, and eventually sold him into slavery. His slave master’s wife had the hots for him and when he wouldn’t capitalize on her advances, she lied about him and had him thrown in prison where he sat to rot for years. And all the while the Lord was forming him and teaching him to patiently trust so that when he was elevated to the position of Vice-Pharaoh, he had the character needed to carry that honor. And when his brothers were fearful of the wrath they knew they justly deserved, Joseph was able to comfort them by proclaiming “What you meant for evil, God meant for good, for the preserving of nations.” (Genesis 50:20).
Now I know my friend Bill didn’t sit in prison for years like Joseph, and it might seem like I am tying two unmatched threads together, but the truth is, life is full of suffering and sacrifice, and most often where we lose sight of our calling is in suffering. I know that’s true for me. Whether or not you are struggling or rejoicing, the fact is: we are only here for a little while, but the people we influence might just live long after us, and those who they influence, long after them. There are two opposing (seemingly) thoughts that must be reconciled here. In one sense, our lives are short and unimportant (even the most influential among us). In another sense, what we use our few short moments for really matters. The Psalms put it like this “So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom.” (Ps. 90:12)
