BY JACK WARD
PASTOR, TOMAHAWK MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH
When you come to the end of your life, will your life have been clearly defined? I mean by that. Have you made clear to all of your family, friends and acquaintances what you stood for during your life?
Some people‘s lives have been defined by their vocation. Some have lived for public office and that has defined them. Some people’s lives are defined by fame or fortune. And then some people’s lives are defined by their misdeeds. Some people’s lives are defined by their good works and service to our nation and humanity.
But at the end of life, have you defined your eternal destination?
This is how the apostle Paul defined His life. 2 Timothy 1:12: “I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.”
Do you know who you believe? Do others know who you believe? Have you clearly defined to others your faith in Christ?
Someone once defined their life this way: “I’m part of the fellowship of the unashamed. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I’m a disciple of His. I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away or be still.
“My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I’m finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheap living and dwarfed goals.
“I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotion, plaudits or popularity. I don’t have to be right, first, top, recognized, praised, regarded or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, lift by prayer and labor by power.
“My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions few, my Guide reliable, my mission clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.
“I won’t give up, shut up, or let up until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, and preached up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus. I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops me. And when He comes for His own, He will have no problem recognizing me. My banner will be clear!”
Is your banner clear? Are you part of the fellowship of the unashamed? When you die, will your loved ones be assured of your faith in Christ or will they be left wondering?
Hear pastor Jack’s sermons every Sunday morning at 10:30 on WSIP FM 98.9 and more sermons and articles at www.tomahawkmbc.com.