“And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me–the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.” Acts 20:22–24 NIV
Consider what you believe it means to live the Christian life. What routines or priorities do we associate with our faith? You may have listed family, church, a Life Group, serving–all of which matter and are important! Now, privately consider your life, what are your personal routines and priorities? You likely named some of the same things from the previous list. Were there any additions? If so, how do those priorities enhance or diminish living a life completely sold out for the Gospel?
Paul, living a life completely dedicated to “the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace,” knew with certainty that persecution was a reality and a promise (Acts 20:24). If you are in a country like the U.S. that enjoys religious freedom, the threat of physical persecution for the sake of the Gospel is likely not in the forefront of your mind–praise God! We have the luxury and privilege of attending church, Life Groups, and serving with little to no fear of negative physical repercussions. Had Paul lived with the same luxury, how do you think his ministry would have been affected? Would his sense of urgency to share Jesus increase or diminish?
Paul fought to make the Gospel known, and he suffered for his faith and effort. After he suffered, he continued his mission. His commitment to the Gospel and his perseverance still serve as an inspiration to believers around the world.
As long as we have the luxury and privilege of living free from the fear of physical persecution for the Gospel, should we not chase the same goal as Paul with the same great sense of urgency? Imagine the impact if every believer in the United States, or just at Bellevue, dedicated their lives to sharing Jesus like their life depended on it. The good news is, it’s possible. Let’s start today.
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