Dear Friend of Insight for Living:
When was the last time you took stock of your life? I'm not referring to the resolutions you made last month. Nor do I mean the fries you ate last week or how many push-ups you did this morning. I'm talking about a realistic appraisal of your life . . . your future . . . your legacy.
It's probably been a while. Self-examination isn't easy. Sometimes it's revealing, and other times, it can be downright convicting. But we're called to be good stewards of all God gives us, including our days.
I was surprised to learn that many financial advisors urge clients to plan for living to age ninety. Do the math—for many of us, the years behind outnumber the years ahead. So today, will you pull out of the fast lane long enough to ask yourself a few hard questions?
☑ Can I honestly say I'm in the center of God's will?
☑ Is my life leading toward a satisfying and meaningful future?
☑ In light of eternity, am I making consistent investments in God's causes and for His glory?
I remember those times when Cynthia and I chose to stretch beyond our comfort zones in order to participate in something larger than our own lives. One that stands out is when we expanded the ministry of Insight for Living beyond the United States. We sensed God's leading to reach other cultures with the wonderful news of the Savior. Talk about a stretching decision!
I wrote last month, "Big words cause confusion." So true! But even simple words make little sense to someone who doesn't speak our language. In our international ministry, the right kind of translation is key—and that means more than just translating words. We must translate cultures as well. Paul's words to the Corinthians come to mind:
I entered their world and tried to experience things from their point of view.
I've become just about every sort of servant there is
in my attempts to lead those I meet into a God-saved life.
1 Corinthians 9:22 MSG
Our international ministry has several modern-day "Pauls." One of them is Charlie Costa, who translates and culturally adapts Insight for Living's Bible teaching for our Arabic-language broadcast, Nafitha Ala l'Hayat. Under Charlie's leadership, God's Word has been taught through radio, satellite, and the Internet in the Middle East and Northern Africa. During the past thirteen years, Charlie has started several churches and ministries with people whose lives have been transformed by the broadcast.
The Middle East is one of many doors God has opened for us. Ministering in other languages requires expertise, contacts, and most importantly, people—individuals like Charlie to do translating and broadcasting.
Let me urge you again to ask yourself those three questions. Focus on that third one: "In light of eternity, am I making consistent investments in God's causes and for His glory?"
In order for Insight for Living to continue making consistent investments in your life and in your neighborhood, as well as in the Middle East and around the world, we rely on the support of our listeners.
Will you consider sending a gift of $25 or $50 or $100 or even more this month to Insight for Living? Every dollar helps us continue to reach your city or town with practical Bible teaching for daily living and also helps us extend the gospel to the far corners of the world. Thank you for sending whatever God leads you to give today.
To show my appreciation, I'm inviting those who make a donation this month to request a copy of our newest resource, Insight's Handbook of New Testament Backgrounds: Key Customs from Each Book. Just like we need help bridging gaps between countries, we need help understanding the unfamiliar culture of the Bible. With short articles on topics from every New Testament book, this handbook is your bridge into the world of the Bible. Please request your copy with your gift.
Cynthia and I have never regretted the hard work of taking stock of our lives and being stretched by God's leading. His will has not been easy, but it's always been worth it. So I urge you: don't fear being stretched. Ministry that costs little, accomplishes little.
Charles R. Swindoll
