In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it’s easy to get lost in the noise, to lose sight of the calling that holds together our purpose. As I lay on my bed, engrossed in a commencement address by John Piper, I was reminded of the weight and wonder of our calling as Christians and ministers of the Gospel.
Piper’s words resonated deeply as he painted a vivid picture of eternity, each brushstroke revealing the incredible truth of our salvation. “What does it mean to have your name written in heaven?” he asked, his voice pulsating with conviction. His message was a stark reminder of the privilege and responsibility that comes with being chosen by God.
As I listened, memories flooded back – of a whispered commitment to following Christ made in the innocence of my youth, of the ebb and flow of joy and doubt that have marked my pastoral journey for many years. A sense of unease stirred within me as I thought of the challenges that lie ahead for those destined for the pulpit, the trials that could shake even the strongest of faiths. Yet, even in that moment of unease, I realized that true success in ministry isn’t measured by momentary triumphs but by the unshakeable joy of knowing our names are etched in the Lamb’s book of life.
“So, dear graduates,” Piper concludes. “I promise you, in 60 years from now, you will be very glad if you spent your life reveling in the Savior more than in his service.” It’s a promise that extends beyond the confines of academia, reaching into the depths of our souls and challenging us to find our truest joy in Christ.
As I closed my laptop, I carried Piper’s words with me, a reminder of the profound calling that beckons us all. And as I joined my family in the living room, I felt a deep sense of purpose settle over me. For whether we find our calling in the pulpit or in a thousand other ways, our purpose remains the same – to revel in the Savior who has called us by name.
What does it mean for you to find your deepest joy in the assurance of your salvation?
