If you found out today that tomorrow would be your last day here on earth, what would you do? Who would you call? Would you change your plans for today? None of us really know what we might decide, but the question can help us to consider the things we do and what things motivate us. In Luke’s account in the book of Acts, we read that the apostle Paul knew that his life would soon be over. His thoughts can help us to consider our own priorities, so let’s listen to the passage:

And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. And indeed, now I know that you…among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, will see my face no more. (Acts 20:22-25)

In this passage we learned that Paul had received prophetic warnings in “every city” that chains and tribulations were coming. Indeed they did come; we know that Paul was imprisoned for two years and eventually executed. How would you respond to warnings like that? Here’s how Paul responded: “None of that moves me, nor do I count my life dear to myself.” Why does he choose to ignore the dangers which lie ahead? Because he wants to finish his life in joyful service to the Lord, preaching and teaching the Gospel of the grace of God. He's intentionally spending the last season of his life for the sake of reaching as many people as he can with the gospel of Jesus. That's what moves Paul.

What about you? What moves you today? Is it the Good News of Jesus…or is something else more important to you?