“Jim’s aim was to know God.”
-Elisabeth Elliot on her late husband, Jim, who was martyred at age 28 while ministering to the Auca Indians in Ecuador
Elisabeth Elliot.
So much class.
Is it okay to be “fans” of Christians who have walked before you? I don’t know. I guess it’s okay as long as your admiration doesn’t become an elevation of the person above their humanity. Well, I am exceedingly grateful for the work of the Lord in Jim and Elisabeth Elliot and for their example of following Jesus no matter the cost.
Although I’ve never met her, Elisabeth Elliot has been one of the most influential ladies in my walk with God. Her books Passion and Purity, Let Me Be A Woman, Beyond the Gates of Splendor and so many others, have been instrumental in giving me a clearer view of godly womanhood, the joy of surrendering to the Lord’s plan and a greater desire for holiness.
I’m currently reading Shadow of the Almighty where the above quote was gently tucked within the first few pages. Although a simple descriptive sentence, those six words have been rocking my world all week.
“Lord, make my way prosperous, not that I achieve high station, but that my life may be an exhibit to the value of knowing You.” -Jim Elliot
This was a guy who, during a college break, hitchhiked from Wheaton, Ill., to Mexico in order to share the Gospel with the people there. He was passionate about being single-minded in his devotion to God, willing, if God so chose, to never marry in order to make the most of his time on earth and serve his Master with an undivided and undistracted heart. He was a man who so desired the salvation of the nations that he moved to a foreign country to minister to a tribe of Indians that had never heard of Jesus Christ. It was there he was murdered by the same people he was trying to evangelize.
In light of all that, the explanative words from his wife pierced my heart.
“Jim’s aim was to know God.”
His wasn’t seeking to do great things for God. Jim just wanted to know his Savior, and that desire (and love for God) pushed, motivated and compelled him to obey.
After reading that last week, my mind keeps mulling over one question:
Do I want to know God or be known by others?
Perhaps we should all ask the same question.
Who are we “doing” this life for? For what purpose? For whose purpose? Who are we seeking to please and gratify, ourselves or the Lord?
Sophie Miller 