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.
He who cannot find time to consult his Bible will one day find he has time to be sick; he who has no time to pray must find time to die; he who can find no time to reflect is most likely to find time to sin; he who cannot find time for repentance will find an eternity in which repentance will be of no avail; he who cannot find time to work for others may find an eternity in which to suffer for himself.
From here on out, there's just reality. I think that's what maturity is: a stoic response to endless reality. But then, what do I know?
Many people come to self-help material because they feel like something is wrong with them or the way they are. The problem is that anything that tells you how to improve your life is also implying that there is something inherently wrong with you the way you are.
When we are working at something, we come down from our high logical horse and sniff around with our nose to the ground. Then we obliterate our traces in order to become more God-like.
What we learn through failure becomes a precious part of us, strengthening us in everything we do. So let the tough things make you tougher.
I've been drunk for about a week now, and I thought it might sober me up to sit in a library.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.