It’s crunch time for our high school seniors. As the financial packages are coming together and the final choices are soon to be made… I am left with this from Jim Elliot. A bright future laid ahead of this young man, he could have done almost anything but he felt God’s call on his life. [A new movie about him and his co-workers]
It took me a long time to really understand this quote. I heard it all the time at Moody. People had it written on their doors, on their notebooks, on and on. I remember hearing it and seeing it and thinking… That’s a little dumb.
Here is what he said, "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose."
When you sit back and let that sink in for a time, you start to see the truth in it. Following Christ anywhere is never a "waste." What is paramount above all things is following him. Whether that be into chemical engineering, parenthood, politics, ministry, sports medicine, or whatever. What is paramount is the attitude that it’s Christ’s life and not mine to waste.
I know there have been many times in the last few years when I’ve wanted to press the "cash out" button and walk away. "What’s stops you?" From an earthly perspective there is still a dream to be chased. From a vertical perspective is the reality that it’s He who "wasted my life" and not me. It’s not my life, I gave it away!
Leave a Reply