Final Jeopardy!

“The category is ‘History’ and here’s the final clue. He said, ‘I regret I only have one life to give for my country.’ … [music playing] … What is the question? “Who is Nathan Hale?” “That’s right, Nathan Hale, the revolutionary patriot and martyred spy (1755-1776).”

It has been said that the definition of a “true patriot” is one who does regret he only has one LIFE to give for his country. When the LIFE is in “jeopardy” it seems like a final thing. The giving of a LIFE is viewed as the ultimate sacrifice. Since we have only one LIFE to give, if we give it, it’s all gone.

Could a similar definition be given for a “true Christian”? Having only one LIFE to give ( Hebrews 9:27) we need to be concerned with how we give it and live it. Paul exhorted the Christians in Rome to give their “bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” ( Romans 12:1 ESV) Such is to be an ongoing characteristic of our manner of living. It is the picture of a LIFE wholly surrendered to the Will of God.

Jesus exhorted…
“(23) And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. (24) For whoever would save his life will lose it, BUT WHOEVER LOSES HIS LIFE FOR MY SAKE WILL SAVE IT.” ( Luke 9:23-24 ESV)

It is when we try to hold on to our LIFE ourselves that it is truly in “jeopardy”! We must be willing to surrender it to the Will of our Lord. We only have ONE LIFE to give for His sake, but by doing so we will save it. It is through Jesus the means has been provided for ETERNAL LIFE. He has made it possible for us to cross over from death to life. ( John 5:24) Jesus gave His LIFE to save ours and He rose again to reveal His power over death and thus our removal from “jeopardy”. May we continue to daily give up our LIFE for the cause of Christ.

Have a great day AS A LIVING LOYALIST TO THE LORD!
Carl

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