FOCUS ON GOD AND OTHERS, NOT SELF!
FOCUS ON GOD AND OTHERS, NOT SELF!
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
We understand a few things about Paul from this verse. He
- Did not account his life of any value
- Did not account his life as precious to himself
- Desire to finish the course received from Jesus
- Desired to finish the ministry received from Jesus
- Desired to testify to the gospel of the grace of God
Paul did “nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others” (Philippians 2:3-4). Paul’s desire was not motivated out of selfishness, but out of the love for God and the love for people (Matthew 22:37-40). He received a course to run (Hebrews 12:1-2) and a work to do (Ephesians 2:10). His focus was “to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” Nothing would deter him from being faithful in doing so.
What about us? Are we self-focused or others focused? How have you served someone in the last day, the last week? Are you others focused or are you just focused on your own life? We are called to a life of service— to serve God by serving others while also proclaiming the good news of Jesus. Is this what we are focused on? Dear Father, may it be so by the power of Your Holy Spirit and in the authority of Your Son Jesus. Yes, may we be faithful in Your desires for us! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLX83HbefrI