Is the distinction between living for Christ and dying for Him so great? Is not the second the logical conclusion of the first?
Interpretation
The quote suggests that living a life dedicated to Christ naturally leads to the ultimate sacrifice of dying for Him.
Elisabeth Elliot's quote reflects on the deep commitment one can have in their faith. She proposes that if one truly lives for Christ, then the act of dying for Him is not only a possibility but a natural extension of that devotion. This challenges believers to consider the weight of their faith and actions, emphasizing that a life devoted to spiritual principles may eventually lead to significant sacrifices.
In practice
In a sermon focused on the significance of faith, one might use this quote to inspire the congregation.
We are not asked to SEE," said Amy. "Why need we when we KNOW?" We know--not the answer to the inevitable Why, but the incontestable fact that it is for the best. "It is an irreparable loss, but is it faith at all if it is 'hard to trust' when things are entirely bewildering?
Prayer lays hold of God's plan and becomes the link between His will and its accomplishment on earth. Amazing things happen, and we are given the privilege of being the channels of the Holy Spirit's prayer.
What sort of world might it have been if Eve had refused the servants offer and had said to him instead, βlet me not be like God. Let me be what I was made to be - let me be a woman'?
Worship is not an experience. Worship is an act, and this takes discipline. We are to worship ''in spirit and in truth.'' Never mind about the feelings. We are to worship in spite of them.
Restlessness and impatience change nothing except our peace and joy. Peace does not dwell in outward things, but in the heart prepared to wait trustfully and quietly on Him who has all things safely in His hands.
If your goal is purity of heart, be prepared to be thought very odd.
Fear your admirers! Learn in time to hear, understand, and love the cruel truth about yourselves!
Give yourself more opportunities for privacy, when you are not bombarded with duties and obligations. Privacy is not a rejection of those you love; it is your deserved respite for recharging your batteries.
Love of action is not industry.
Human knowledge and skills alone cannot lead humanity to a happy and dignified life. Humanity has every reason to place the proclaimers of high moral standards and values above the discoverers of objective truth.
Search for the seed of good in every adversity. Master that principle and you will own a precious shield that will guard you well through all the darkest valleys you must traverse. Stars may be seen from the bottom of a deep well, when they cannot be discerned from the mountaintop. So will you learn things in adversity that you would never have discovered without trouble. There is always a seed of good. Find it and prosper.
Beauty comes first. Victory is secondary. What matters is joy.
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