A Life Not Our Own: Remembering Tim Keller
The Christian community mourns the loss of Tim Keller, a faithful servant of the Lord who left an indelible mark on the lives of countless individuals. As we reflect on his legacy, we are reminded of the profound truth that our lives are not our own, but belong to God.
The Essence of Christian Living
John Calvin, a influential theologian of the Reformation, distilled the essence of Christian living into a simple yet profound principle: we are not our own, but belong to God. This fundamental truth is rooted in the fact that God sent his Son to save us by grace and adopt us into his family. As a result, our lives are no longer our own, but are to be lived in gratitude and obedience to our heavenly Father.
A New Perspective
When we grasp this truth, our perspective on life is transformed. We no longer live to please ourselves, but instead seek to please God and love our neighbors. Our lives are no longer driven by self-interest, but by a desire to honor and glorify our Lord. As Keller so eloquently put it, “If I’m saved by grace, sheer grace, then there’s nothing he cannot ask of me.”
A Life of Surrender
This new perspective leads to a life of surrender, where we yield ourselves wholly to God. We give up our right to determine what is right or wrong and instead rely on God’s Word. We stop putting ourselves first and instead prioritize what pleases God and loves our neighbor. In short, we give ourselves wholly to him—body and soul.
Trust in the Midst of Uncertainty
As we navigate the ups and downs of life, we are called to trust in God’s sovereignty and goodness. We cast ourselves on his merciful, fatherly care, knowing that he loves us because we are his own. In the midst of uncertainty, we find comfort in the fact that our lives are not our own, but are held securely in the hands of our loving Father.
A Legacy of Faith
Tim Keller’s life was a testament to the power of this truth. His legacy serves as a reminder that our lives are not our own, but are to be lived in service to our Lord and Savior. May we follow in his footsteps, yielding ourselves wholly to God and trusting in his goodness and sovereignty.
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