For us to know the joy of a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, we must be willing to give up everything.
The world says that’s foolish.
The world says, “Take what you can get and enjoy it!”
But I can promise you that if you’ll make the “sacrifice”, you’ll gain in return something far greater than you could ever imagine.
For, as Paul says in 2 Corinthians 4:18,
“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
One man who made this discovery
When Jim Elliot graduated at the top of his class from Wheaton College in 1949, he could have had a lucrative business career or could have probably enjoyed success in a variety of professions.
Instead, he chose to be a missionary.
He arrived in Ecuador in 1952 and four years later was killed, along with four of his companions, by the Auca Indians, the tribe they were trying to reach with the gospel.
Though many thought it foolish that such a talented young man would give up his life trying to help a primitive tribe, Jim Elliot knew that was not the case.
In Jesus Christ he had found an absolutely priceless pearl. He was willing to give up everything he had, even his own life, in order to follow Jesus.
And he was glad to do so because, as he wrote in his journal, “He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep, to gain what he cannot lose.”
He is no fool
A man by the name of Scott Wesley Brown wrote a song called “He is No Fool” based on this. The words of the song are:
I’ve lost track of all the Sundays
The offering plates gone by
And as I gave my hard-earned dollars
I felt free to keep my life
I talk about commitment
And the need to count the cost
But the words of a martyr show me
I don’t really know His crossChorus:
For he is no fool
Who gives what he cannot keep
To gain what he cannot lose
Yes, he is no fool
Who lays his own life down
I must make this the path I chooseObedience and servanthood
Are traits I’ve rarely shown
And the fellowship of His sufferings
Is a joy I’ve barely known
There are riches in surrendering
That can’t be gained for free
God will share all heaven’s wonders
But the price He asks is me.
Are you willing to give up what you cannot keep to gain what you cannot lose?
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Wow that is convicting. Thanks for sharing this. Really makes you look at your life and analyze it.
It certainly does!
Thanks for sharing Adam!
Kevin Martineau recently posted…Bringing up there down here
Very Powerful! Thank you for sharing.
Taking up our cross daily is not easy, especially if we take our eyes of Christ.
TC Avey recently posted…The Life of Bonhoeffer-Preparation for Series
You are absolutely right TC!
Thanks for sharing.
Kevin Martineau recently posted…An inspirational love story
He must be such an inspiring person! I really would like to get to know him.
Jim Elliot is indeed an inspiring person!
Thanks for sharing Maria.
Kevin Martineau recently posted…Top 10 list of marriage killers
Wow! That was a very nice view in life, very inspiring. The words he just said is very powerful that almost want to talk to him in person, Thanks for sharing..
Thanks for sharing Crystal!
Kevin Martineau recently posted…Who or what are you blaming?
Jim Elliot. One of the most frustrating people I have ever heard about. Frustrating because I look at my mamby-pamby sacrifice against his and almost lose heart.
So again, for today, I will remain obedient and crack on!
Yes, we can get discouraged when we read of people like Jim Elliot or we can let them inspire us to be the people that God has called us to be.
Thanks for sharing Scott!
Kevin Martineau recently posted…4 reasons to praise and thank God
After reading your post, I would like to say that I agree with it. Those who do things for others wholeheartedly and selflessly are the ones who will gain in return something that is far greater than they could ever imagine. I have just read last night on a Yahoo news article about a man who worked as a waiter at a diner for 16 years. One time his car broke down and he had no money to have it fixed so for months he either took a cab to and from work or borrowed the diner’s delivery van. An elderly couple who is a frequent customer at the diner where he worked gave him $5,000 and told him to buy himself a new car. The waiter is kind and the shy type and would only take the money if they consider their gift as a loan, but the couple wouldn’t take it back. The news spread like wildfire, and when it was featured on TV, the elderly couple wanted to remain anonymous, and they just said that they wanted to repay the waiter for his hard work and he always gave them great service whenever they are at the diner to eat. Only the waiter was interviewed.
Well, from the story I’ve just shared, I could say good things come to those who are selfless and do not expect anything in return.
Felicia recently posted…Cory Zeidman crushed Chris Bjorin’s dream of a 3rd bracelet
Great story Felicia!
Thanks for sharing!
Kevin Martineau recently posted…Favourite Links Friday: 6 fantastic posts worth checking out!
No problem, Kevin!
Glad I can share real-life stories that can be related to your posts once in a while!
Felicia recently posted…Cory Zeidman crushed Chris Bjorin’s dream of a 3rd bracelet
Kevin, he is one of our brethren who paid with the most high price. Yet, God wants us to love unconditionally and serve others with all our hearts.
At that time just as today many are put to death and could avoid it if they just renounce God. That is not what we do who bare the cross. We muster on and are lead by faith and not by sight.
Given a new life in the body of Christ is the gift to be shared. You my brother are a great example of service.
I rather be a servant to all and give my all. I rather cover offenses with love which wipes all wrongs. I rather live by example than preach falsely. Follow Christ to the cross is the highest honor yet be wise and learn from this brothers actions of faith. As so many before and after him demonstrate for us as examples on how to act and live.
Kevin, your empowering story will bring masses hope and that is what we must accomplish daily. Let us be the light as he was in those who needed it. He traveled where they did not understand nor believe. Yet, stood by faith and will be known as a true man of God. Righteousness follows his name by his actions of faith.
Kevin, there are no words to awe. Thank you for praying for all of use daily and may God bless you with prosperity and insight.
Thanks for sharing your thoughtful comment William!
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