Today I was reading Paul’s farewell speech to the Ephesian elders in Acts 20, and was comforted by Paul’s statement in verse 24 that “I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.”
To count one’s life as nothing if only to be faithful to Christ is a huge challenge. But today it also struck me as a comfort. When I surrender to Christ afresh, I am liberated from the bondage of other competing goals – being right, looking good, winning an argument, settling scores, etc. To the extent that faithfulness to Christ is my life’s only final purpose, then failings in these things lose their sting, and become sanctifying influences to the death of my indwelling sin. I am liberated to put my ultimate hope in the one thing that can never, and will never, fail. In commitment there is comfort, and freedom, and hope.
2 Responses
Great perspective! So true too! Love this part… ” I am liberated to put my ultimate hope in the one thing that can never, and will never, fail. In commitment there is comfort, and freedom, and hope.”
Thanks for sharing! :)
Thanks Yasmin! :)