The True Value of a Life

But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, 

if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, 

to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

Acts 20:24

What is the all surpassing goal of your life? If I were to ask you, “What one thing do you want to accomplish before you die,” what would you say? I am sure our answers would vary depending on our backgrounds, ambitions, and desires. However, there is one way and one way only that we should answer that question; “that I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus.”

As if this was not a focused enough desire for Paul, he adds, “I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself.” Paul was a man who had completely sold out to the cause of Christ. He had released all rights and privileges of his life to the purposes of the Lord. Certainly these things seem extreme to us, but could it be that this is what true discipleship looks like? After all, Jesus said things like, “For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it” (Matthew 16:25). And, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:26). The call to follow Christ IS extreme.

Take some time today to consider your life. Where does your commitment level stand? If Christ asked you to take some radical step today, what would your answer be? Also…What sort of things might happen in our day and land if Christians begin to live this way? Do you think such an extreme mindset might impact your community and world? Is the cost of discipleship, when thought of in these terms, too high? Make it your ambition to “testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” It is for this cause we have been called.

Letting Go

One of the greatest challenges for the believer is to fully and completely follow the example set by Jesus. As long as everything is going our way, this is not problem. However, as soon as things get difficult, as soon as someone mistreats us, as soon as the storms of life begin to blow, this becomes a far more difficult challenge.

When we look at Scripture we will discover that the early believers, though they struggled at times, set a pretty good example for us to follow. Very early in the life of the church we see these followers reflecting the heart and compassion of Jesus Christ. In Acts 7 Stephen begins to make his case for Christ. He begins tracing salvation history from the time of Abraham. He concludes his argument with an accusation, “You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit” (v. 51). As accurate as this accusation was, the people did not receive it in the least.

We are told that those to whom Stephen was speaking, “Cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him. Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him” (vs. 57-58). As interesting as their reaction is, it is not the most interesting part of the story. Stephen’s response is far more intriguing. The Bible says that, “falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ And when he had said this, he fell asleep” (v. 60).

Where did Stephen find this strength? How is it that with his dying breath he asked God not to hold such a sin against his murderers? Stephen was just following the example set by his Lord. Jesus, while dying on the cross prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).

We must follow the example of Christ just as Stephen did. When we find ourselves in trying times, when people hurt or accuse us, when people say false things about us, we must show the same grace and compassion that our Lord Jesus Christ did. We must make it our ambition to reflect all that Christ was about. Be careful not to allow personal ambition or rights to get in the way. Avoid to temptation to hold on to every offense and the desire to right every wrong. Walk in the freedom of forgiveness.