But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. (Philippians 3:7)
Because we have been made in the image and likeness of God, we have been made to make a durable difference in the world around us. So the question before you and me today is – “Are we making a difference that is durable?”
To be sure, there are many things that get in the way of making a durable difference in the world around us. One of those things is to be more focused on pleasing man rather than pleasing God. Make no mistake, people pleasers do not make a durable difference in the world because they are more concerned with what others think of them rather than what God thinks of them. They find their deepest satisfaction when others are pleased and accepting of them. But this was not the life for the apostle Paul and that is why he made a durable difference.
I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may accomplish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. Acts 20:24
These are the sentiments of a man who made a durable difference in the world. Now it was not that the apostle despaired of life itself. Rather, he despaired of life without Christ as the center and circumference of it. And he was willing to give it up in the faithful and fruitful service of his Lord. Paul made no account of his life apart from the life the Lord Jesus had called him to live on the road to Damascus.
Paul’s goal was to accomplish or finish his course or race. He knew a durable difference would only be made when he crossed the finish line of life having given all he had and all he was as a testimony to the gospel of the grace of God. Paul purposed to live a life for something bigger than just his life. He lived for His Savior. He refused to shrink the size of his life down to the size of his life. Paul lived to please God, not man, and in doing so, he made a durable difference as a disciple of Jesus.
So, can the same be said about you today? Are you making a durable difference by the life you are currently living? The answer of course is YES if you are living your life for the glory of God and the good of others. It matters not what your station in life is. What matters is who you are living for in your current station. And when you are living for Jesus and pouring yourself out for the advancement of His kingdom, then you can know in no uncertain terms, that the life you are living is making a durable difference in the world around you.
This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!
Grace for the Race 