How can we prioritize God's mission over personal desires, as in Acts 20:24? Setting the Lens: Paul’s Perspective - Acts 20:24: “I consider my life of no value to me, if only I may finish my course…” “…and the ministry I have received from the Lord Jesus—to testify to the good news of God’s grace.” - Paul treats personal safety, comfort, even life itself as expendable when compared with finishing the task Jesus assigned. Recognize the Value Shift - God’s mission outranks personal plans. - Matthew 6:33: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness…” - Philippians 3:8: “I consider everything a loss… compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ…” - Until Christ’s kingdom becomes the non-negotiable center, lesser desires will keep competing. Fuel from the Gospel - 2 Corinthians 5:14-15: “For Christ’s love compels us… that those who live should no longer live for themselves.” - The cross proves God’s love; the empty tomb proves His power. Let gratitude ignite obedience. Practical Daily Steps • Begin the day with surrendered prayer: “Your agenda, not mine.” • Keep a simple mission statement handy (e.g., “Make Jesus known, build His church”). • Budget time and money with the Great Commission in view. • Place service opportunities on the calendar first; fit lesser activities around them. • Memorize key “re-calibrating” verses (Acts 20:24; Matthew 6:33; Romans 12:1-2). • Celebrate progress: journal answered prayers, divine appointments, changed lives. Guardrails Against Drift • Accountability: meet regularly with believers who will ask how you’re advancing the gospel. • Content Intake: feast on Scripture before social media; swap one entertainment slot for missionary biographies. • Stewardship Check-up: review how income, talents, and influence actively further God’s purposes. Encouragement from Other Examples - Moses choosing “disgrace for the sake of Christ” over Egypt’s treasures (Hebrews 11:24-26). - The Macedonian churches, who “gave beyond their ability” for gospel relief work (2 Corinthians 8:1-4). - Jesus Himself: “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me” (John 4:34). Personal Alignment Checklist □ Do my weekly plans reflect kingdom priorities? □ Are my finances advancing Christ’s mission? □ Am I actively sharing the gospel in word and deed? □ Is there any comfort or ambition I wouldn’t relinquish if Christ asked? □ Do I measure success by faithfulness to the assignment Jesus gave? Closing Challenge Paul’s words in Acts 20:24 invite us to weigh every dream, possession, and relationship on gospel scales. The more clearly we see the worth of Christ and the urgency of His mission, the easier it becomes to say, “My life is worth nothing to me—except finishing the race and proclaiming His grace.” |
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