When I first read today’s verse, I was a little shocked. It’s not something I’m likely to hear anyone preach these days. With concerns of low self-esteem and suicides, especially in children, hearing “my life is of no value to me” is unsettling.
But the truth is, when I gave my life to Jesus, I gave my life to Jesus. He can do what He wants with it. My priorities are all different now. My top priorities are no longer me, myself and I. My number one priority now is how to please God.
The good news is that God, the One now in charge of my life, is a loving and good God. I trust that His will for me is much, much better than my decisions could ever be. By giving control of my life to Him, I will be more fulfilled, blessed, joyful, and at peace than I could ever be if I insisted on doing things my way.
In today’s verse, Paul is saying goodbye to some good friends. He knows he is heading to a place where he will find trouble. But he’s going there anyway because God told him to. He’s being obedient because He knows that whatever happens to him will not be the end. His obedience will be richly rewarded by our loving God. Either in this life or the next.
I’m not asked to put my literal life on the line to obey God very often. (Ever?) But I am asked to sacrifice comfort very often. To get off the couch, turn off the TV, and pray, for example. Or stand out in 100 degree heat to distribute food. Or have an awkward conversation. And I am often asked to sacrifice money and other resources. And I am frequently asked to sacrifice my time and my plans for the day. I have to decide what my priorities are. Do I have the faith to say that my time, money, comfort… life… is of no value to me if it can be used instead to further God’s kingdom and message of love?
Dear God,
Thank you for the example of the apostle Paul who gave everything to spread your good news. I want to have the faith I need to give my life, in its entirety, to you. Show me what that means today. I am so glad that you love me and that I can trust your will to be good and beautiful in the end.
CamDevo 