Is life worthless? Some sum it up this way - “You eat to live, and you live to eat!” Surely there’s more to it than that! Some put very little value on life, and mindlessly destroy other people, or even kill babies in their mother’s wombs! Others take a short cut to God’s awful judgment by committing suicide!
But wait, let me tell you about a man who, although he reckoned his own life to be worth nothing to himself, yet his life was spent wisely and was a great help to many.
Paul arrived at Miletus, and “sent to (nearby) Ephesus, for the elders of the Church. When they arrived, he said to them ‘You know how I lived that whole time I was with you … I served the Lord with great humility and with tears … I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you … I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.” (verses 17-21.)
That is still true today. God calls on everyone to turn from their sins to God, and believe in the Lord Jesus as their only Hope; their only Priest and Saviour. (Acts 17:29-31. 4:12. 16:31.)
Paul’s preaching had been strongly opposed by religious people in Ephesus. Most Ephesians wanted to still believe in their great goddess, and in their many priests. (Acts 19:27-28.)
But, these whom Paul sent for were people who had believed in Jesus Christ. This would probably be their last chance to meet him. He said, “… compelled by the Holy Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem … the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardship are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race, and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying to the Gospel of God’s grace.” (verses 22-24.)
If anyone had asked Paul, "Is life worthless?" He would have said he had no selfish ambition for his life, but he knew God’s plan for him was “good, pleasing and perfect.” (Romans 12:1-2.) Paul's attitude was, "I am God’s servant, and HE has work for me to complete for Him." (Philippians 1:20-26. 1stCorinthians 6:19-20.) He wanted to be faithful to God, even if it put his life in danger. (Matthew 10:37-39. Galatians 2:20.)
Paul had faithfully declared God’s Gospel to them all, and said, "… I am innocent of the blood of all men.” (verses 26-27) His hearers were responsible for how they responded to God’s message. And so are you!
GOD can make YOUR life worthwhile - turn from your sins NOW, to the One and only Priest who can forgive and save you - the Lord Jesus Christ. (Hebrews 7:24-27) Then you will find living for Jesus worthwhile and challenging, and you will be a blessing to others as you share God’s Good News. (Ephesians 4:17 - 5:20.)
Read Acts chapter 20, verses 13-27.
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