Throughout history God has used scholars in special ways to accomplish His work. Academics have spread the Gospel, defended the faith, and strengthened the Church. The example of these godly and brilliant men and women will inspire academics today to embrace their calling, to persevere in spite of obstacles, and to be intentional in bringing glory to God in academe. We can learn much from our intellectual predecessors. Our minds matter. Ideas matter. Our work in the academy matters. The life of the mind is a high and holy calling ordained by God. This paper is an expanded transcript of a lecture Daryl has presented at meetings of Christian academics.