The Assignment

But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.
Acts of the Apostles 20:24 NLT

1. Priorities - Paul had a clear idea of what was important. The true definition of life is pursuing what God is blessing, not what man is celebrating. I could be celebrated down here, yet not make eternal impact where it matters most. Do I know what is important?
2. Attitude - Paul had inner joy that no circumstances of life could tamper with. He faced shipwrecks, imprisonment and other trials, yet he could say in several letters: "I rejoice". You don't get that if your life has not found its purpose and assignment.
3. Knowledge, understanding and wisdom - don't just read/hear about God; seek to know and understand who God is, then obey him. You may never understand why he acts, but through obedience, you will know more about God than from years of study. Paul didn't understand the purpose behind the thorn in his flesh, but he knew the grace of God that could sustain a man in the midst of the most distressing circumstances.
4. Origin and inspiration - Paul received his assignment from God; Who determines what you do, why you do them and how you do them?
5. The Message - beyond the words you speak, WHO is your message? The person behind your words is even more important than what you have to say. God's message is the good news about Jesus first, then all other things follow, not the popular feel-good messages we hear a lot these days. It is first about the grace of God that freed us from  the guilt of sin. Every other blessing flows from this finished work.
6. End of all things - The end of all things is eternal life: that's God's ultimate plan. The life he gave at the cross, which the cross could not hold back, is the life on offer for us today. It will surely not end here. Are you working towards that good end? His time of favour is here.