Devotion: A Life Worth Living
Scripture: Acts 20:24 (NIV)
“However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.”
1. Context and Meaning
Paul spoke these words during his farewell to the elders of the Ephesian church in Miletus (Acts 20:17–38). He was heading to Jerusalem, knowing that “prison and hardships” awaited him (v. 23). Yet, instead of worrying about his safety, he fixed his eyes on one thing: to finish the race and fulfill the ministry given to him by Jesus.
This verse is one of the most powerful New Testament statements on a life wholly surrendered to God’s purpose.
2. Three Dimensions of Paul’s Devotion
🔹 A New Definition of Life’s Worth
When Paul says, “I do not consider my life of any value,” he’s not disregarding life’s importance, but redefining its worth. The world often measures life by comfort, security, or success. Paul sees it differently: life becomes valuable only when it serves the eternal mission of God.
As Jesus said:
“Whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.” (Matthew 10:39)
Reflection: Do we often measure our life’s worth by worldly success or personal comfort? What would it mean for us to value obedience over safety?
🔹 “Finish the Race” & “Complete the Task”: Purpose with Direction
Paul didn’t see his life as aimless. He viewed it as a God-directed journey with an appointed “race” and “task.” The word for “task” (Greek: diakonia) means “service” or “ministry,” and for Paul, that meant bringing the gospel to the Gentiles (cf. Acts 9:15).
Your calling may not be Paul’s, but it is still sacred.
Whether it’s parenting, your profession, leadership, or community service — all of it can be your “ministry” if it testifies to God’s grace.
Questions for Meditation:
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What needs around me might be part of the calling God has given me?
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How can my skills, experiences, or profession serve as a channel for the gospel?
🔹 “The Gospel of God’s Grace”: The Ultimate Aim of All We Do
Paul’s devotion wasn’t just duty-driven. His goal was to testify to the gospel of God’s grace — the good news that salvation is not earned, but freely given through Jesus Christ.
Paul’s sacrifice was not about proving his worth to God — it was a response to God’s unearned love.
Challenge: Does your life help others see the grace of God — not just through your words, but through how you live, serve, and give?
3. Application for Today
✅ Realign Your Value System
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List the top three things you currently value most in life.
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Now ask: Do these things have eternal significance? Are they helping you finish your race?
✅ Recognize God’s Calling in Your Current Situation
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You may not be called to travel across the world, but you are called to love, serve, and witness where you are.
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Often, your current relationships and responsibilities are the very context of your ministry.
✅ Live with the End in Mind
Paul said later in 2 Timothy 4:7:
“I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
He lived each day in view of eternity. Do we?
Reminder: As Romans 14:8 says, “If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord.”
The question is not how long we live, but whether we fulfill what God gave us to do.
4. Prayer of Commitment
Lord, help me no longer measure my life by the world’s definition of gain or comfort. Like Paul, teach me to see that the race You set before me — and the task You’ve assigned me — are the most precious things I can pursue. Show me my ministry in this season. Use my life to testify to Your grace until the day I finish the race You have marked out for me. In Jesus’ name, amen.
5. Further Study & Meditation
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📖 Philippians 1:21 – “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
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📖 2 Timothy 4:6–8 – Paul’s final words on finishing his race
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