Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21
“To deny one’s self, to take up the cross, denotes something immeasurably grander than self-imposed penance or rigid conformity to a divine statute. It is the surrender of self to an ennobling work, an absolute subordination of personal advantages and of personal pleasures for the sake of truth and the welfare of others, and a willing acceptance of every disability which their interests may entail.”
George C. Lorimer in Dictionary of Burning Words of Brilliant Writers, compiled by Josiah Hotchkiss Gilbert (New York: Wilbur B. Ketcham, 1895) 169.
As the GTP Global Gathering draws to a close, I am thankful for the power of Christ in each board member, staff member, and regional facilitator to help us do “immeasurably more” as we surrender ourselves to the “ennobling work” before us for the welfare of others.
The “willing acceptance of every disability struck me” part when I read it. Most people want generous service that is comfortable. What would it look like for you to uncomfortably surrender for the sake of others? Sacrifice is the path to which He has called us. It is following in the steps of Christ Jesus.