I am so inspired by this verse in Colossians:
The NIV reads:
Tell Archippus: "See to it that you complete the ministry you received from the Lord."
Here's the NLT:
"Be sure to carry out the ministry the Lord gave you."
Phillips is amazing:
"God ordained you to your work -- see that you don't fail him!"
Finally, here's Eugene Peterson:
"Do your best in the job you received from the Master. Do your very best."
David, remember:
1. The Lord Jesus has given you a lifelong ministry. It's a stewardship from him.
2. This ministry needs to be "fulfilled" -- completed and accomplished.
3. You can "take heed" to this ministry by carefully discharging it.
The greatest surprise about aging that I've discovered is how satisfying it is. I enjoy an outlook on life that goes beyond happiness. Instead, there's a sustained tone of equanimity, knowing how the Lord has used me and will continue to fulfill his ministry in me in the days and years ahead. Call it wellbeing, but it's very real.
It is to feel the sandals of new life on your feet as you continue to climb toward the next level in the spiral up the mountain.
