“Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.” 2 Timothy 2:10
Paul would say of this verse that this is what he does now. Even though he is imprisoned and in chains, he now endures with a purpose in mind. He is doing it for others, for believers and for those who are yet to believe. That is who the elect that he speaks of are, they are us. Paul is enduring for us. He is thinking outside his circumstance and beyond his time-frame to the much bigger picture. He knows his days are numbered. He knows that in time his faith will cost him his life. He now lives for others and for the purpose God has called him to, to spread the gospel and to share Jesus Christ with as many as possible. Paul is literally living for Jesus, for His name’s sake. Wow. What a beautiful commitment. Of course he doesn’t always do this perfectly and he struggles with his situation. But, he is always and quickly able to get back to the main point, living for Christ. Everything is about this. He wants to do all he can to make sure everyone else is given the grace he has received. He understands what a precious gift he has received and his sole goal is to share everything and endure everything that can lead to salvation. He would die for any one of us to live forever. What love, what commitment, what endurance, what a focus. He is looking forward and living right now as best he can is a wonderful example for us all. We would do well to consider his dedication and his heart for serving.
The only solution for being self-centered is being other-centered. This convicts me.I know I need to be more other-centered and to resist being self-centered.
Join me for the sake of all those who have obtained and those who still can obtain salvation. Honor God by serving others.
In His service,
Pastor Fred
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