But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God. — Acts 20:24, NASB
I love Paul because of his singular focus. Nothing mattered to him but glorifying God. He lived—and died—for that.
In the past, I might have shrugged off Paul’s example. Maybe I fell for the idea that he was some herculean Christian. He wasn’t, and he’d hate the fact I ever thought so. He would have launched into some diatribe about how we’re all called to run “for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14, NASB).
Today, I look at him and ponder how my life is playing out. Am I finishing the race God has set me on? Am I caring for the ministry He’s given me to do?
What is the trajectory of my life?
Am I walking in loving obedience? Do I view this life as a war that requires battle-tested armor? Do I let God’s truth hold everything, including me, together?
I don’t dwell on the questions for too long; obsessing over them tends to lead only to doubt and worry. It is important to consider them from time to time, though. They’re a spiritual checkup, a way of making sure my heart, mind, and body are beating in harmony with God’s design, keeping the pace He’s set. They remind me of all God has done and create in me a spirit of thanksgiving and submission.
It is that spirit which joins with David in stating the entirety of life is to be a single prayer to the God who gave it (Psalm 130, The Message). It believes that God will enlarge my heart as I run the way of His commandments (Psalm 119:32, NASB). It is a spirit that leads me to finish the course, to run with excellence and to care for the work, time, and talents that have been given to me.
Image: haru__q (Creative Commons)
[…] be afraid. Doing is not so much beating of the air. It has aim; it is steady, like a pulse. Let it throb like the tree, which does not force its sap, but stands […]