Daily Devotional - Make Room - WK5 - 1/31/25 - Day 31 - "A Life Worth Living For Christ"

Author: Elder Jay Wells

“A Life Worth Living for Christ”
Scripture: Acts 20:24 (KJV)

“But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, 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.”

Devotion:
What is it that drives your life? This powerful statement from the Apostle Paul shows the essence of a life fully surrendered to God. As Paul prepared to leave Ephesus, knowing hardships awaited him, he declared that his life was not about personal gain or comfort. Instead, his purpose was to fulfill the mission God had entrusted to him: to testify to the gospel of grace. This verse challenges us to consider what drives our lives and whether we, like Paul, are focused on finishing the race God has set before us.

Acts 20 recounts Paul’s farewell to the Ephesian elders. He had spent years ministering to them, teaching and building the church. Now, as he prepared to journey to Jerusalem, Paul knew he would be facing persecution and possibly death. Yet, he didn’t shrink back, instead, he embraced his calling with boldness and determination. For Paul, proclaiming the good news of God’s grace was worth any sacrifice. What are you willing to sacrifice for God?

Paul shows us his selflessness. He considered his life “worth nothing” compared to the mission of spreading the gospel. His identity and purpose were rooted in serving God, not in preserving his own comfort or safety. Paul was also focused. His “only aim” was to finish the race and complete the task God had given him. He saw his life as a mission, not an accident. You see, at the heart of Paul’s calling was the gospel—the good news that God’s grace is freely given through Jesus Christ. This message of salvation was so valuable that Paul was willing to risk everything to share it.

Today, I want to encourage us all to live with purpose! Paul’s example challenges us to evaluate our own priorities. Are we living for ourselves, or are we living to fulfill the mission God has for us? Every believer has a unique calling, but at its core, we are all called to testify to God’s grace—whether in our families, workplaces, or communities.

I challenge you this week, to begin to define your race; Take time to reflect on what God has called you to do. How can you use your gifts, time, and influence to share His grace? As our theme for the year at HSM is “The Year of Expansion.” Ask God to help you let go of anything holding you back from fully committing to His purpose, even if it involves sacrifice. Let go of comfort, so that God can use you for His glory. Lastly, testify of His grace. Share the good news of Jesus with someone this week. Whether through words or actions, show them the love and grace of God. A life worth living is one dedicated to proclaiming the gospel of grace and finishing the mission God has given you. Run your race with boldness!

Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the mission You have given me to share the good news of Your grace. Help me to live with purpose, courage, and selflessness, keeping my eyes fixed on You. Strengthen me to run the race You’ve set before me and to complete the task You’ve entrusted to me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.