"But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God."
Acts 20:24 (NLT)
What is it that drives you to find value and purpose? We all are motivated by one thing or another in our lives. For some of us it’s the challenge to be successful and make a name for ourselves. For some it’s to gain the approval of friends and family. Or to be able to finally make a certain income level and live in a big home. For some of us maybe it’s to prove the naysayers in our life were wrong! But every one of us has something that gets us up in the morning. Even if it’s just the hope that we can survive the day and win the daily battle that’s before us.
This scripture in Acts gives us a profound challenge. Here life success and value is not measured in terms of financial prosperity, how popular or liked we are by the people around us, or even our own personal needs. Here the only thing that this verse says brings value to life is to finish the work assigned to us by the Lord. It’s not third on the list of important things to do in life, it’s actually the number one motivator. And it should be our number one driving force as well.
Though each of us are called to reach people for Jesus, His unique plan for each of us to do that will look different! Finding and finishing God’s assignment for our lives should drive us to get up in the morning. It should be the main deciding factor in every decision we make! The Bible tells us that our lives are not our own. We were bought and paid for with a price. The revelation that I live for HIM frees me from the need to achieve what the world says is success, or carry the burden of having to find identity in my achievements. Instead I can find fulfillment and peace and purpose in Him, simply by understanding that I am His child and He has called me to a purpose. This causes me to push through when it looks impossible. Step into things I in my own strength could never accomplish. And to experience a life and adventure with God that is second to none.
Honestly evaluate today what motivates you. Then shift your focus onto what God has for you to do, and pray for the grace and courage to finish it well. When we seek Him first, He’ll take care of everything else we need. The reward will not only be a life of fulfillment here on earth, but a heavenly reward that will outlast any kind of earthly success you could ever hope to achieve. That is a truly abundant life.
-Pastor Joanne Hoehne