Thursday, September 1

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2016

One joy of growing older is the collective memory of moments humorous, lovely, and glorious. In this less-than-uplifting election season, I think back to the 1992 Vice Presidential debate when Adm. James Stockdale, a war hero of the first degree, "lost" himself for a moment and uttered: "Who am I? Why am I here?"

Unlike Adm. Stockdale in that moment, Paul didn't struggle with this question. To the Corinthians, his zeal for their hearts may have seemed overwhelming, but he had strong motivation from having experienced the relentless love of Christ.

This summer, we have been studying 1 John during the Chinese ministry's Friday night Bible study times. In this book, the apostle highlights God's amazing love poured out for us and how we demonstrate our connection to Christ through pouring out a similar love for our brothers and sisters. Reflecting on Jesus's heart to "seek and save the lost," this idea of relentlessness has come to my mind repeatedly. How amazing that God would love us so much that He would send Christ to die for us "while we were yet sinners." His unconditional love destroyed the chains of sin and death.

Compelled by Christ's relentless love, Paul lived with abandon and trusted that, even with significant opposition in this world, his living sacrifice would reap eternal rewards. Paul has become fully committed to the ministry of reconciliation, bringing people to consider how they might have peace with God through Jesus Christ.

Would you take a moment in prayer this week to ask God: "How may I become involved in Your ministry of reconciliation?" Would you pray to find someone or a group of people to honor and serve so that they might experience the relentless love of God, most clearly communicated through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ?

Lord Jesus, thank You for making possible the ministry of reconciliation to which You have called us. Thank You for giving us a clear purpose beyond ourselves and for sending the Holy Spirit so that we might be prepared and equipped to play our role in the ministry of reconciliation. Please bring to mind whom we serve and honor. We love You and rejoice in You. In Your Name, amen.

Adm. James Stockdale (https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=uKpX-5jQjQ0)