A mountain climber was asked if he had a death wish. He said, “Actually, I have a life wish—to live life to the fullest.” As an adventurous climber, he explained: “When it’s time for me to die, I don’t want to realise I never lived in the first place.”

As Paul travelled to Jerusalem (where Christians were being attacked), it looked to his closest friends like he had a death wish. Many people warned him of the danger and told him not to go (ACTS 21:4,12).

But Paul had already made up his mind. He clearly said that his purpose was to “finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace” (20:24).

Paul never hid away from openly sharing his faith in Jesus Christ. His goal was not to play it safe and protect himself. Instead, he lived his life to tell people about Jesus, while looking forward to heaven.

Maybe your friends think you’re a bit weird for loving Jesus. Or maybe your family don’t like you going to church. Whatever challenges you face, Paul’s example can encourage us to share the good news of Jesus without being scared. It’s not a death wish—but a life wish for everyone we know!

By: David McCasland

To Pray About . . .

Lord, guide me to cultivate an attitude of living like Paul—to live my life to the fullest by making Your Name known to the people around me.