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Why do some men and women make a greater impact than others? Why do they attempt greater things and achieve greater things? Why are they able to believe God for greater impact?

PAUL

… is one of the premier examples. We see one of the clearest snapshots into his life in Acts 20 as he meets with the Ephesian elders for the last time.

He recounts how he ministered to them and that, he is now “bound by the Spirit” to head to Jerusalem but that everywhere he goes, the Holy Spirit testifies to him through others that “bonds and afflictions” await him. But then we look through this small window into his heart.

“But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God. (Acts 20:24)

This was not a new thought with Paul. In fact, you can read the same sentiment in many of his letters to the churches (see 2 Cor. 4:7–5:10; 6:4–10; 12:9f.; Phil. 1:19–26; 2:17; 3:8; Col. 1:24). In other words, his life was expendable to the greater calling that he had received in the presence of Christ. If the purposes of God could be more greatly accomplished by his suffering, then so be it. He had settled the issue of why he lived and how he lived, with a complete and full surrender to live for Christ.

Paul was like the greatest Olympic athlete who will do any training, suffer any pain to win the gold, except his motivation is purer, his goal far greater.

OUR RESERVATIONS

… all stem from the opposite of this resolve. Our life is often seen as precious to us. We pamper and take care of it, making sure that we do not suffer any harm. And so, there is a limit to what we will attempt, where we will go, what we will say.

Consider this simple illustration: when the Spirit prompts us to speak to some random stranger about the gospel, why do we shy away? We consider our life, our reputation, our comfort more important than being a mouthpiece for God to touch the greatest need of someone who desperately needs to hear the gospel.

Or, even simpler … when God awakens us in the middle of the night because He desires to “counsel us in the night” (one of the secret practices that made David an extraordinary man with unusual insight, Psalm 16:7-8), why do we roll over in bed because we think we must have our sleep?

Paul’s attitude echoed that of his Master who “did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped but emptied Himself” and came to earth to die for our sins. Oh, that each of us would settle this issue and be able to say with humble honesty, “I do not regard my life as dear to myself.”

Copyright © 2025 by Bill Elliff @ billelliff.org. No part of this article may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from Lifeword.org