“But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.” — Acts 20:24
This is a familiar verse to many people. The context is towards the latter portion of the life of Paul. He is determined to go to Jerusalem and the brethren are telling him not to go because he will certainly be taken and killed there. Paul hears their warning, but states that nothing is going to scare him or “move” him from this God-given desire. He doesn’t count his life dear to himself, and he wants to finish what he started, the ministry that God gave him. Most would likely run if they knew the hard times he would face, but Paul was not going to be moved by fears and uncertain future. Though there were times when Paul knew people were trying to kill him and he left (Acts 14:6-7), this time he stands his ground.
There will be times in our life and ministry in which we must discern when to stand our grounds, and other time we should move on. The Word of God and Spirit of God must be our guides, as opposed to following feelings and emotions. When God has led or does lead us, may we have the attitude of Paul to stand, not counting our life dear to ourselves, and not let uncertainty, criticisms, or fear hinder us or move us. Here was Paul’s advice to not be moved:
- Ignore Distractions.
Whether ministry or secular world, a person that accomplishes much must learn to ignore distractions. Not all distractions are evil, but all distractions turn your attention from your focus.
The devil is the master distractor. Keep your focus on what God put in front of you. Guard your heart. What is that inner calling God has given you? Where has God placed you both positionally and geographically? God has given you a family, ministry, and various responsibilities, don’t let anything sidetrack you from those. Don’t be moved by criticisms, offenses, and “strife belonging not to him (you)” (Proverbs 26:17). Your success of focus is based on your ability to ignore distractions.
- Finish Your Course.
Whatever God given you to do, whether it be similar or different than the assignment of others, finish it. When Peter asked the Lord concerning John’s role in life and death, the Lord replied, “what is that to thee? follow thou me” (John 21:21-22). The Lord wasn’t being mean to him, but the stern response was to remind Peter that he was given a course and must finish it regardless of what others do. Comparing yourself is unwise (2 Corinthians 10:13), keep your eyes on finishing what God has given you to do.
- Finish with Joy.
Don’t just serve the Lord, serve Him with joy. Yes, your service to God is a duty, but it is a joyful duty, not something you have to do grudgingly. How you do what you do makes all the difference.
In Deuteronomy 28, when Moses was giving the list of blessings and curses, I find it very interesting something specific he puts in the list of curses. He told the Israelites they would fall in the hands of the enemies “Because thou servedst not the LORD thy God with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart” (Deuteronomy 28:47). It appears God was not just interested in their service, He commands that they serve Him “with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart.”
God still wants His children to serve Him with joy. The many joy stealers of life will try to stop you. Determine to never lose the joy found in serving the Lord.
- Recognize Your Ministry is From the Lord.
Paul was not shy to recognize it was the “Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry” (1 Timothy 1:12). We would be wise to remember this as well. If we’re in ministry because of someone else wanted it, or because of selfish motives, the storms of life will most definitely uproot you. But if it’s because you have “received of the Lord Jesus,” then you will continue because He has placed you there. Recognize that all you are, all you have, and all you do is from and for the Lord.