Acts 20:24
“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.”
In Acts 20:24, Paul summed up the purpose of his life. The only thing that mattered to him was to finish the race and complete his assigned task as a follower of CHRIST. The gospel was his focus, and he was intentional about living out his purpose. Life with CHRIST, in many ways, is the only way that’s worth living in the midst of a crooked and sinful world that’s increasingly becoming more and more hostile to the Gospel of JESUS CHRIST. Apart from CHRIST there’s really no life that’s worth living. We cannot expect to finish well in life without getting the LORD involved in the details of our everyday life. Paul and others like him were intentional in pursuing the purpose of GOD in their lives. Their inspiration was CHRIST, His teachings and His life’s example that demonstrated His purpose driven life. CHRIST finished strong by fulfilling the FATHER’s will to the end, even embracing the cross in order to redeem lost humanity. Paul and the followers of JESUS also finished strong despite the many challenges and hardships they faced in life. In like manner, we cannot just “show up” for life each day and expect to finish strong and complete our GOD-given task.
The Christian life, requires discipline and focus. GOD’s Word and His SPIRIT nourish our souls and give us what we need to be effective ministers of His grace. We must learn to rest in His power, relying on His strength and not our own. We must learn to not overload our lives with the “good” at the expense of His best. This requires self-discipline and self sacrifice. Like Paul, we must make it our life’s goal to “finish the race and complete the task the LORD JESUS has given us - the task of testifying to the Gospel of GOD’s grace.
Prayer:
Dear GOD, I want to finish the race strong like JESUS did. I know that requires great resolve and sacrifice. Please forgive me for allowing my focus to shift to the temporary things that surround me. Please help me to remember daily the task You have entrusted to me, and to make choices that keep me in the center of Your will for my life.
In JESUS’ Holy Name. Amen!
For His Honor and Glory,
Pastor Wally & Sister Mattie