A Life of No Regrets
By Jennifer Slattery
“For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near.” 2 Timothy 4:6
What has God called you to? What task has He assigned you?
I don’t mean what do you want to do. Nor am I talking about what will produce the best, most successful, or most prestigious results, but how does He want you to use your gifts and your time?
I hold great admiration for evangelists like Paul, the first century church planter who routinely stood strong against incredibly hostile and cruel opposition. What did this self-proclaimed servant of Christ receive for his hours upon hours of painful labor? He never earned best sellers status, though his letters were passed among believers in desperate need of encouragement and guidance. Had editors existed, they all would’ve turned him away.
Yet, he lived—and ended—his life without regrets, having embraced all Christ had assigned.
In 2 Timothy 4:6, as Paul speaks of his imminent death, I’m reminded of Romans 12:1 where he tells us, followers of Christ, to offer our bodies—our whole selves—to God, as living sacrifices.
As Paul had.
Reviewing his life in light of his approaching death, Paul was able to say, “I’ve fought the good fight. I’ve finished the race. In everything, I’ve remained faithful.”
What a legacy to leave!
With every word we speak, with every action or deed, may God enable us to say the same.
Because I don’t know about you, but when my time on earth concludes, I want to be able to say, like Paul, “Jesus, I lived all in, for You. I’ve finished what You assigned. I’m leaving this place with zero regrets.”
Jennifer Slattery is a writer, editor, speaker, and the founder of Wholly Loved Ministries. She writes for Crosswalk, is a multi-published author of Hometown Healing among other titles who also writes articles, Bible studies, and devotions. When not writing, reading, or editing, Jennifer loves going on mall outings with her adult daughter and coffee dates with her hilariously fun husband. Visit her online at jenniferslatterylivesoutloud.com or book her for your next women’s event.
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