Topic: Faithful to the Mission

Text: Acts 20:22-24

Key verse: But I do not consider my life as something of value or dear to me, so that I may [with joy] finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify faithfully of the good news of God’s [precious, undeserved] grace [which makes us free of the guilt of sin and grants us [eternal life]. – Acts 20:24

Apostle Paul is a perfect example of what it means to have the mind of Christ. Just as Jesus was obedient to death on the cross because he understood that the will of God required it for the mission to be complete, Paul also prepared his mind to embrace the will of God in its entirety, regardless of the cost. The mind of Christ is not based on presumption, neither is it ignorant of the costs of fulfilling the mission, rather it counts the costs and prioritizes the reward above the sacrifice.

And now, compelled by the Spirit and obligated by my convictions, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there, – Acts 20:22

We receive the mind of Christ not from human reasoning but rather by the leading of the Holy Spirit. The knowledge base of the scriptures helps you discern the right choice and your convictions.

Anyone who has to drink milk is still a child, without any experience in the matter of right and wrong. Solid food, on the other hand, is for adults, who through practice can distinguish between good and evil. – Hebrews 5:13-14

To activate the mind of Christ you must upgrade your appetite for solid food and put the word of God to practice daily until your senses are developed to distinguish between good and evil.I have made some very tough decisions in life, and sometimes l had the benefit of counsellors and mentors to help me analyze the situation accurately, at other times l had to take a stand based on personal convictions rooted in my sense of discernment of the Fathers will.

One specific example is in the choice of a spouse, l had alternatives and preferences and the counsel l received from people who cared about me seemed to run parallel to what the Spirit was saying. I knew that if l was going to fulfil my Mission,  l must not be culture blind, but rather magnify the will of God above the conflicts and threats that may arise during my journey.

In every city I visit, I am told by the Holy Spirit that I will be put in jail and will be in trouble in Jerusalem. – Acts 20:23

Just like Paul, l chose to do the will of God in marriage even though it was not popular at the time. I knew there would be challenges, but l reasoned the end had better outcomes for me, my spouse, and those God would send me to serve. You are one of the people had in mind, as l made that tough choice to marry outside my tribe.

God has blessed that union with God-loving and fearing children, l have a very comfortable environment to do ministry, my life is a testimony of obedience to the path God has chosen for you. I am thankful to God for the difficult times too, they lasted momentarily.

The mind of Christ is about the work of God, and finishing it. But I don’t care what happens to me, as long as I finish the work that the Lord Jesus gave me to do. And that work is to tell the good news about God’s great kindness. – Acts 20:24

Are you at a crossroad today? Do you have difficult questions begging for answers? Is the path you are travelling on so tough that you are beginning to doubt God\’s presence and promises? Cheer up Pilgrim, keep your eyes on the goal, the medal is worth the discipline and the price.

You are in the midst of a cloud of witnesses, who have run well and many like me, who are still running. Be encouraged, your best days are still ahead of you. It will end gloriously.

Roses&Thorns