When we take a look back throughout history, we see the marks of those before us. Travel anywhere and you’ll soon see the marks, pages, and monuments of days gone by. One of the most exciting, intriguing, and confusing places with such things is Egypt. In 8 short days there, I only saw a fraction of what has been left behind. And I’m sure of what’s available to see now, is only a fraction of what’s still buried beneath the Sahara sands. 
If you watch any documentary on ancient Egypt you’ll soon see a theme throughout the structures. Every ruler seemed to “out-do” his predecessor by expanding on the technology and resources he/she had and defacing the marks before them. Temples, tombs, and monoliths got bigger, stronger, and more complex. And yet when you take a closer look you’ll see that only a fraction of intended work was ever completed. Many kings died before the completion of his plans. Ancient Egypt if full of unfinished and often confusing details that tell the stories. Incomplete stories justified by legend, and myth. Only a few clues and much speculation can be used to find out truths and link things together.
I’ve been challenged lately to look at how I live this life in front of me. Have I been walking that path of selflessness that was shown to me months back? or have I been living in a foot race against others for a crown that doesn’t exist?
The question I asked myself last night was, “Am I living towards that mark I want to leave?” I know I have absolutely nothing to prove in this world, for I am all that I’m created to be! As a self-identified prodigal, I’m trying so hard to follow in the footsteps of Jesus, the one who accepted me his lost son back. I haven’t forgotten those gentle whispers I heard all year that spoke love and grace. And more importantly I haven’t forgotten the path that he is asking me to follow, the one with his footprints leading the way.
I learned that in order to lead, we must follow. The point is not following so we can work our way to the “leading” part. The point is the following so we don’t go astray. If we don’t know what it means to follow and have that as our only priority, we’ll never be in a position to lead. Once we put others first, then we know how to lead. Sure we lead from the forefront so often, but it’s not to be the first to the summit, but rather the first to take an arrow from the enemy. The first to offer death so others may live! Ultimate love, through humility. Obviously Christ was this example; he died for the world to reconcile it to the Father. And we know that path of self-sacrifice and picking up our own cross of nakedness and humility so others may live.
Just like in Egypt, when we try to out-do others, and deface their work before us, we’ll be covered by the sands of selfishness and pride. We’ll be lost and forgotten. The story our lives tell won’t make any sense. Our purpose will be incomplete. But, Christ’s story lives on, even if you believe IN him or not, his story is complete. Sure many don’t recognize that story in it’s true, beautiful, complete form… but they KNOW the story.
As I’ve looked at this challenge to myself, I know that everyday is a day of others. It’s not about position, role, or credentials. It’s about Kingdom living. And that will outlast any Sphynx, pyramid or temple here on this earth! The greatest kingdom of all is for those who will give everything they are, know and have!….their life!
So join with me in this journey as I strive to walk alongside others. We are called to work as ONE; as ONE body. My mark will be my footprints, not some 100 tonne stone statue, so that once we take the same steps, the trail speaks louder and truer for all who come next no matter how much sand covers the ground. I think that’s what Jesus had in mind anyways!
