What Moves You?
In Acts 20:22-23, the
Apostle Paul is telling the Christian leaders in Ephesus that bonds and
afflictions (persecution) were waiting for him everywhere he went to preach the
Gospel of Jesus Christ; some of which included being beaten with rods, stoned,
shipwrecked, thrown in prison often, and even being left for dead (2 Corinthians
11:23-27). In verse 24, the Apostle Paul then goes on to make the bold
statement, "But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto
myself." Move him where? He is saying, "None of these things will move me off
course from fulfilling the will of God for my life!" He then goes on to give the
reason for such a bold declaration. He says, "so that I might finish my course
with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify
the Gospel of the grace of God."
Paul had a desire and motivation to press on (Philippians 3:14). Why? The Gospel
was not just a story but a living reality to him. Jesus Christ must be real and
alive to you. God wants your whole heart. He is not interested in you coming to
church on Sunday and then living like the devil for the rest of the week! I want
to share with you a couple of keys from God's Word that will help you stay on
course in fulfilling the will of God for your life and to do it with joy.
The first key is to build your life on God's Word. In Luke 6:46-49 Jesus tells a
parable about one man who built his house on a rock and one who did not. In the
parable, both had storms, but only the house that was built on the rock with a
strong foundation was saved from disaster. Jesus is the "Rock" of our salvation
(Psalm 89:26)! We need to walk in love toward every person we encounter
throughout the day; even the co-worker or boss that is treating you like dirt!
As Christians we are commanded to love, bless, and pray for our enemies (Matthew
5:44).
The next key to help you stay on course is to control your thought life. The
Bible tells us not to be conformed or put into the mold of this world, but be
transformed by the renewing of our mind (Romans 12:2). As you read and meditate
on God's Word, it will cleanse your mind from the junk of this world that would
try to take you off of God's path for your life. For example, adultery doesn't
begin with the action, it begins with lustful thoughts (Matthew 5:28). Sooner or
later the action will follow if those thoughts aren't cast down (2 Corinthians
10:3-5). Satan and demonic spirits know that if they can get into your thought
life, they can keep you from fulfilling the will of God for your life.
If you will be diligent as a Christian to build your life on God's Word and
learn to control your thought life, you will be able to finish your course with
joy!
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