Man On A Mission
“But that matters little. What
matters most to me is to finish what God started: the job the Master Jesus gave
me of letting everyone I meet know all about this incredibly extravagant
generosity of God.” Acts 20:24
History’s pages are filled
with world-changers who have had many definitive qualities. Perseverance, resilience, and even unseen
backers who became the “wind beneath
their wings” to help them keep trudging ahead in the face of
adversity. However, few common
denominators surface from these “paradigm shifters” like a true concentration
to the task at hand.
Countless examples exist in life of the difference between general and
directed living. Concentrated
focus brings powerful results. Scattered
steam does little but rise and disperse, but concentrated steam can
move a steam engine or steam boat. A
room light may brighten a section of a room but a laser light can release
inestimable power. Drifting water does
little, but water in a river or through a hose can increase energy. Wind
that breezes can be gently refreshing, but focused air can dry hair or
evaporate a condensed section.
William Wilberforce’s
battle against slavery in England long before the Emancipation Proclamation,
brought a change to millions of lives. Telemachus’ stand against Gladiator
fights in the 4th century would change a nation at his own
sacrifice. Such is the legacy of these
history makers. Their lives
shine like stars in a murky firmament…but none so great as Christian’s who have
offered their lives, both literally and figuratively, for the redemption of
those not knowing Christ.
When the famous missionary, Dr. David Livingstone, started his trek across Africa, he had 73 books in 3
packs, weighing 180 pounds. After the party had gone 300 miles, Livingstone was
obliged to throw away some of the books because of the fatigue of those
carrying his baggage. As he continued on his journey his library grew less and
less, until he had but one book left--his Bible.
When you think of David Livingstone, the pioneer missionary
to Africa, who walked over 29,000 miles, you see a man on a mission. His wife
died early in their ministry and he faced stiff opposition from his Scottish friends.
He ministered being half blind and His passion for Christ can spur even the
most moderate believer. David Livingstone went to darkest Africa as a lone
missionary.
After some time, his
mission’s committee wrote to him saying, "Some people would like to join
you. What’s the easiest road to get where you are?" He replied, "If
they’re looking for the easiest road, tell them to stay in England. I want
people who will come, even if there’s no road at all!" Before
Livingstone died, they were going to bury him at Westminster Abbey but he asked
that His heart would be buried in Africa.
1,000 people mourned and made the trek to the boat before they shipped
his body to England, but his heart remained buried in Africa.
We see the power that
results from a powerful focus. This
is true in every area and how we are living today. Live with a vague vision and the results will
be nominal at best. Just like the
drifting river, the scattered steam, and the illuminating light. Live with focus and it will leave a mark for
years to come whether being the best father, mother, employee, owner, or
believer.
Paul was a man of tremendous heart for Christ. He exclaims in Acts 20:24, “But that matters little. What matters most to me is to finish
what God started: the job the Master Jesus gave me of letting everyone I meet
know all about this incredibly extravagant generosity of God.”
He
wanted to live like few people lived, preached where few people preached, and touch
like no others touched. Not
for the sake of man’s applause for the “Audience of One.”
“If false,
Christianity is of no importance. If
true, it is of infinite importance. The
only thing it cannot be is of mild importance,“ wrote C.S. Lewis. When God puts that passion on your heart,
nothing can stop you from letting everyone you meet know about it. And if
necessary, going to the ends of the world to tell others about it…even if there
is no easy road to get there.
Terry Risser
Reflections:
1) Is
Christ mildly important to you or incredibly important to you?
2) Ask
God to give you a desire to help others know Christ as you know Him.
Consider reading the Word today:
Copyright 2014- Terry Risser
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