I finished the book of Esther this morning (by flashlight because our electric was out, but who’s complaining?). Here’s a highlight from the book…

Esther had a decision to make that would either cost her life, or save her life and the lives of her people (the Jews).  In other words, it was either win big or lose big! (Ever been in one of those situations?)

She had to enter into the throne room of the king, her husband… uninvited, and plead for the lives of her people (the Jews).

Here’s the problem… (In Esther’s words) “All the king’s officials and the people of the royal provinces know that for any man or woman who approaches the king in the inner court without being summoned the king has but one law: that he be put to death. The only exception to this is for the king to extend the gold scepter to him and spare his life. But thirty days have passed since I was called to go to the king.” (Esther 4:11 NLT) (This was definitely a high-risk situation! Ever been there?)

To make a long story short Esther finally decided to take the risk. She said, (4:16), “If I must die, I am willing to die.”

And with that attitude she went into the throne room. She was welcomed, and as a result her people, the Jews, were spared from the plot of a wicked man (Haman) to put them all to death. (Can you say “BIG WIN!”)

The apostle Paul had the same attitude,

“I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me– the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.” (Acts 20:24 NLT)

Jesus had this same attitude,

“I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, ¹⁵ just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. ¹⁶ I have other sheep, too, that are not in this sheepfold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice; and there will be one flock with one shepherd. ¹⁷ “The Father loves me because I lay down my life that I may have it back again. ¹⁸ No one can take my life from me. I lay down my life voluntarily. For I have the right to lay it down when I want to and also the power to take it again. For my Father has given me this command.” (John 10:14-18 NLT) 

So here’s the point…

High impact living is only done by people who care more about what God wants than what they want!

What would happen if I would decide that “me” doesn’t matter?

What would happen if I put God’s mission ahead of my own… even if it meant being uncomfortable… even if it meant pain… even if it meant death?

People who make significant contribution to the Kingdom of God don’t generally do it under easy circumstances!

My prayer… “God, I want to be a high impact man. I’m a little scared about what this means, but I commit to following your plan for my life. I commit to trusting you even when I don’t understand you. I commit to living a life that does not require a “High maintenance me” but one that is all about you. I commit to caring more about you than me. Help me Jesus!”