The
Four Marks of the Immovable Man
“And see,
now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will
happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying
that chains and tribulations await me. But none of these things move me; nor do
I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the
ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the
grace of God.” (Act_20:22-24 NKJV).
Here, in his own words, is the
secret of Paul’s prevailing perseverance. As we look over his confession, four
distinguishing characteristics stand out — charting for each one of us today
the pathway through our own difficult challenges.
By following Paul’s example, we
also can become men and women who are immovable from our sure foundations, and
unstoppable in our eternal quest.
Paul’s example shows us four
marks of the Immovable Man…
#1 – He had
conviction of Spirit — “I go bound in the spirit,” he said. The word
means to be irrevocably resolved in commitment to the present course of action.
There is a finality to the conviction Paul possessed, like a man “bound in
chains” from which there is no escape offered…nor desired. Any appeal made to
Paul by his friends, urging him to take it easy, fell powerless to the ground.
Something far more powerful held him firm to his course of action.
#2 – He had
courage of Heart – “not knowing what will happen to me there,
except that bonds and afflictions await me.” It takes a man or woman of
immeasurable courage to walk headlong into open hostility. Those who seek a
life of ease will never reach the heights of glory gained by those who press
upward against great oppositions.
#3 – He had
composure of Mind — “But none of these things move me, neither count
I my life dear unto myself.” Here we see the true magnificence of a selfless
man. Paul was not looking for a chance to advance his career, bulk up his
portfolio, sweep the competition, nor leave his mark in the Vaulted Halls of
Man’s Celebrated Giants. Something higher and far more noble had captured his
imagination. He had set his thoughts upon heaven, and the honor of the name of
Jesus. And, though dismissed by the world as a fool with a misspent life, he is
now cheered in the realms of glory as the Great Apostle of Grace.
#4 – He has
constancy of Purpose — “that I may finish my race with joy.” And what
a race he ran! Through valleys and over hills; in the thick of the woods, and
out in the open meadows; upon rocky terrain, and across the hot desert sands —
he ran with faith, and finished with perseverance. Such is the internal power
of a prevailing purpose in life. I once read that a man can stand almost
anything except a succession of ordinary days.
My friend, in what ways can you
benefit by Paul’s example as you face your own challenges in today’s world? How
might his words find a place in your life, and embolden you to rise in a new
resolve of faithfulness — even if it s against all odds?
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