Strong spirits: giving all
None of us needs to be famous or well-known. We just need to be available.
What have you given yourself to with all your heart? I think that is a good question to ask ourselves from time to time. And if nothing comes to mind, maybe it's time to do some serious reconsidering.
Recently, I heard much testimony about a man who gave himself passionately and completely to Jesus Christ. That man was President Jimmy Carter. Whether or not you liked his politics, even his detractors admit that he was a man of deep and active faith. Frankly, I was deeply moved, inspired, and challenged.
Apparently, Jimmy decided at to do all he could to love the world as Jesus does. And it wasn't theory with him. It was action. My challenge, and the one I extend to you, is this: What will I do with the rest of my life to love the world that way?
None of us needs to be president, or even famous or well-known. We just need to be available. Someone said the best ability God needs from us is our availability. Am I available? Are you?
Another personal hero, the apostle Paul wrote, "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." (1 Corinthians 10:31). Am I living like that? How about you?
Besides serving as pastor at Caledonia Congregational Church, Gary Schwerin is the Spiritual Development Minister for the YMCA of the Rock River Valley and Executive Director of Bridge Ministries of Rockford. Prior to launching Bridge Ministries, Gary spent many years in leadership with Young Life. His columns appear here every Sunday - to see them all, subscribe to our daily email.
