Personal Mission Field/Always Expanding

Let your mind, my men, recalling Christ, sound Ho! The King of virtues, too, Fount of being, highest Power, offers prizes to him who strives, and to the victor gives them. Let your mind, my men, recalling Christ, sound Ho!

  - Columbanus, A Boat Song (Irish, 7th century)

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.

  - 2 Timothy 4.7, 8

Paul wrote to the Philippians about pressing on "toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" (3.14). What motivated Paul in his extraordinary efforts on behalf of the Gospel is the same thing that motivated Columbanus as he and his men sailed the Rhine in pursuit of the Lord's calling. They longed to be found serving Christ and pleasing to Him.

Christianity is not a "niche" religion. Jesus Christ is Lord - King of Kings and Sovereign over all of life. Everything belongs to Him, and what we have in our possession - treasure, talents, time, opportunities - is simply a trust from Him, which He expects us to use and improve for His glory.

Full and abundant Christian life involves striving each day to gain more of the prize of the upward calling of God in Christ. In every area of our lives we row against the headwinds of our secular age to cut a path for the Gospel of the Kingdom, so that the light of Christ can make headway through us into every area of life.

We can always bring more of the light of truth into our relationships, roles, and responsibilities. And there are always new ones into which we might move, if the Lord leads us and we are obedient to Him. Every Christian is a light-bearer, a fount of truth and grace, a bit of leaven for righteousness in a sinful world. Our calling is to press on, strive harder, and keep focused on the King of Glory, Who rewards with righteousness - His, not ours - those who strive and make progress in the Kingdom.

It can be as exhausting as rowing against the strong current of the Rhine. But it can be as exhilarating as winning the crown in the marathon of life.

Today at The Fellowship of Ailbe

Today we announce the beginning of our Christian Literacy Campaign. Read ReVision for the details, get your free download, and get started. We're rowing against the current of a non-reading Christian community, but let's see if we can't make some headway.

Abraham had only the barest glimpse of what the Kingdom of God might be like, but the vision God gave him is worthy of our consideration. Check out this week's Kingdom Civics.

Mike, a friend of mine, is reading The Legacy of Patrick with two of his friends. Here is a book to challenge your vision and understanding of the life of faith. Why not order your own copy - or copies - today?

T. M. Moore, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.