As Life Draws to a Close

Christopher Columbus Award

Citation reads: This award goes to those who, like good old Chris, when they set out to do something, don’t know where they are going; neither do they know how to get there.  When they arrive, they don’t know where they are, and when they return, they don’t know where they have been. (Source Unknown)

For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. 

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. 

Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, 

which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: 

and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing.
II Timothy 4:6-8

The Apostle Paul was sitting in the Mamertine Prison in Rome when he wrote these words to Timothy. His time was short, he was out of appeals, but he was ready to pour out his life for Christ. Unlike Christopher Columbus, he knew where he had been and where he was going.

Martyrdom might be thought by some to be the ultimate sacrifice and the greatest demonstration of complete commitment to a person or cause. Perhaps that is true. Most Christians that I know would be willing to give their lives to Christ in death. But would they be willing to give their lives in life (living for Christ)?