BLUF: The centrality of knowing one’s ‘ultimate’.

Illustration: Recently I read a book by James K.A. Smith entitled You Are What You Love. In it, Smith penned more than a few zingers, one of which follows: “I cannot answer the question, ‘What ought I to do?’ unless I first answer the question, ‘Of which story am I a part?’” (p. 89).

Connection to Daily Life: Today is a milestone in the military unit I am blessed to serve as chaplain. A great deal of ceremony and speeches will occur; VIPs and dignitaries will be present; cameras will be rolling; and a new chapter of one part of the Army’s continued importance will have its first pages written. It is exciting to be part of it, and to celebrate the achievements and hard work of these men and women. But here’s the thing. It would not have happened without focus and determination. The centrality of knowing one’s ultimate provides the range fans—the left and right limits, if you will—of one’s mission.

Why do we do what we do? Why does anyone do what he/she does? Because each of us is living a narrative—a story—wherein our love has an object. For some, the object of that love is self; for others, it’s recognition; for some, it is stability and structure; for some, it is the glory of God and faithfulness. But each of us is living out a story based upon our ultimate.

Encouragement: When we come to answer honestly the question, ‘Of which story am I a part?’ we can begin to orient ourselves to true north, the unmoving point of reference, whose Word is truth because he is truth himself (John 14:6).