He was young, and had a bright future. But, his life was snuffed-out way too early. He was murdered by the “Auca Indians” of Ecuador. Killed by the very people he was attempting to help. Jim Elliot, would know the flaying of the executioners spear, and his body was dumped in the river to decompose and float down-stream. Elliot, along with a band of four others, gave their lives for the Gospel on January 8, 1956. Elliot is attributed with saying, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” Elliot gave with his life.
Makes us pause to deeply think of how petty we make of much of life. I know that at times I have a hard time giving up my 5:15 dinner hour, let alone, fully investing in reaching the lost in the USA or abroad.
God wants us to be those who will give to Him, and for Him and His kingdom. Christianity has a core value of “giving.” God saw the miasma of humanity, and sought to provide a means of atonement by giving the greatest gift: His Son! This floors me. It humbles me. It should impact you too! As Paul was meditating on this he lacked words, and was merely able to say, “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift” (2 Corinthians 9:15).
Get this: if God was willing to give His best, then what stops us? I know. I am beginning to preach. But, imagine what the church would look like if we lined up our practice with our theology. I often think that we love a Jesus that we can control. But, when Jesus begins to make demands on our hearts and plans, we are quick to marginalize Him. God wants us to be people who are willing to give. Why? Because we have the privilege to everyday walk and know the greatest gift. When we give, the gift blesses us (Philippians 4:17). Now, if that isn’t pragmatic...quid pro quo as a spiritual catalyst?
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