When I first discovered that I had cancer, I remember being very touched by Paul’s words in Acts 20:24 and determined that, with God’s help, I was going to exhibit the same attitude. This became “my” verse (so to speak) for this period of my 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.
Six years later, this is still the cry of my heart - to finish well. Earlier this week, I read a devotional by John Maxwell in which he referred to this passage as well. I thought it was pretty good.
Who you are precedes what you do. As Paul spoke to the Ephesians, he described the ingredients of an effective leader. Paul made tough calls, yet shed tears in front of his people. One thing is sure: Leadership begins with the heart. Paul had a heart that was ...
Consistent--he lived steadily while moving among them.
Contrite--he acted humbly and willingly showed his weakness.
Courageous--he didn't shrink from doing the right thing.
Convictional--he communicated his convictions boldly.
Committed--he left for Jerusalem, willing to die for Jesus.
Captivated--he showed that a surrendered man doesn't have to survive.
3 comments:
wow, that last line really gives one pause to think....
That verse makes me think about your previous blog on 'safety'. What do we value at any stage of our lives? What is most precious to us? Whether our race is a marathon or a 100 yd. dash our desire should be to finish the course well. I sense that strong focus in your writing these days. Keep challenging us with the eternal. Eunice
Yes, that is very important to me, Eunice.
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