"But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work
assigned me by the Lord Jesus--the work of telling others the Good News
about the wonderful grace of God." - Acts 20:24 NLT
Today, we’re taking a little detour from our trip through the sermon on the mount. But this verse, which was my verse of the day on Friday (9/1/2023), seems connected to what I shared last week (Shine, 8/31/2023). I’m going to try to share that connection with you now.
It’s probably because my blogs on being salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16) are still pretty fresh in my thoughts that this verse had such a powerful impact on me. This is enhanced by the NLT rendering, which isn’t my go-to translation for preparing Thursday Thoughts, as regular readers will know. While I like the NLT for reading big sections of Scripture, I usually prefer a more literal translation for digging deep.
I might not have seen the connection in another translation. Let me explain.
Last week, we talked about the importance of shining Jesus’ light where people need to meet Him. Paul goes farther here in Acts 20. He explains to the Ephesian elders that he felt the Holy Spirit call him to Jerusalem. They didn’t want him to go. Jerusalem was a dangerous place for Jesus’ followers, and they were afraid for him. But Paul cared more about telling people of Jesus and God’s wonderful grace than he did about his own life. Paul thought that life wasn’t worth living if he wasn’t using it for Jesus.
Wow!
Am I that committed to Jesus? Do I seek opportunities every day to share His love with those who haven’t met Him yet? Do I care about spreading God’s gospel than I do my own comfort?
Ouch. I must be honest and answer “no, not every day.” But, oh how I wish the answer was “yes!”
Thankfully, the Holy Spirit is at work in me. With His help, I can do better day-by-day. With His guidance and encouragement, I will seek and take advantage of every opportunity to tell people about my gracious Lord.
“… it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” - Philippians 2:13 ESV
Think About: What is your life’s purpose?
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