When I was a young boy, I remember a small, humble plaque that hung on the wall in my grandfather’s ICR office directly opposite his desk. Painted in brown with ivory-colored words, it boldly proclaimed “Perhaps Today!” For those who knew ICR founder Dr. Henry Morris personally, and even for the multitudes who only knew him through his writings, this simple phrase captured the essence of what drove him. Everything he said or did—whether in a book, article, lecture, or private conversation with a grandchild—was ultimately focused on the much-anticipated return of our Creator, the Lord Jesus, who will set all things right.
And yet, in one of the great paradoxes of Scripture, Christ instructed us to “do business till I come” (Luke 19:13), even as we “see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25). Thus, it’s clear we’re to continue working faithfully, even if the soon return of Christ would bring sweet relief to our toil here on Earth (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). Granddad believed this with all his heart, and he set an excellent example for those who remain by working diligently up to the very moment the Lord called him home to glory.
As he so often reminded us in his writings, both the dominion mandate and Great Commission were never rescinded or altered. These provide Christians with a compelling reason to continue steadfastly in the work of the Kingdom. ICR was established on this same premise. Through scientific research and education, we strive to further mankind’s dominion over the earth so that others may understand the wonders of His majestic creation. By communicating these truths, we proclaim the Creator’s unspeakable “love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).
This Christmas season, let’s not forget God’s most precious gift to us. In these troubled times, fresh on the heels of a turbulent election and in the midst of a lingering pandemic, God’s people can rest in the fact that the Lord is in control and loved us so deeply that He willingly died for us! While our nation may be undergoing great uncertainty and financial turmoil, we can be confident that He owns it all and “shall supply all [our] need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).
ICR claims this promise on a daily basis. While our needs are many, we know they’re insignificant in the grand scale of eternity. We should cast all our “care upon Him” (1 Peter 5:7) and focus on the work that remains to be done while He tarries.
If the Lord has blessed you this Christmas season and the work of ICR has encouraged you in some way, please share generously so that our ministry may continue in strength and vigor. “Perhaps Today!” may indeed turn out to be today (and what a glorious day that will be!)—but until that time, we invite you to do business with us till He comes.
On behalf of the entire staff of ICR, I wish you a most glorious and blessed Christmas as we rejoice in Him “who brings good news, who proclaims peace, who brings glad tidings of good things, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!’” (Isaiah 52:7). Amen!
* Mr. Morris is Director of Donor Relations at the Institute for Creation Research.
