He is No Fool

Recently, while driving, I popped in an old Twila Paris CD, one that impacted my life when I was in the 8th grade. I told my kids to listen carefully to the words of a song that includes a quote by Jim Elliot, one of the missionaries martyred along with Nate Saint. (The story is told in movie The End of the Spear.)

Here are a few of the words:

There once was a man
Born of high circumstance
Heir to advantage
He had every chance to succeed

But light from the Cross
Made his dreams appear small
And to their surprise
He went far from it all

For the love of His Savior
For one priceless jewel
They could not understand
So they called him a fool

He is no fool
If he would choose
To give the thing he cannot keep
To buy what he can never lose

To see a treasure in one soul
That far outshines the brightest gold
He is no fool
He is no fool

The kids were captivated as I told them about Jim Elliot, how he was killed, and then how his wife and daughter went and lived with the people who killed him, ultimately leading those people to Christ. His wife, Elisabeth Elliot, has always been one of my heroes.

I now think about the sacrifices missionaries out here have made: Businesses and career opportunities, being close with their families, nice homes, friends, etc. By the world’s standards, they are fools. But by God’s standards, they are making very wise, eternal investments with great dividends. And they’ll all tell you they are blessed in this life as well, which is a fulfillment of the scripture Luke 18:29:

“Has anyone left home or family for God’s kingdom? They will receive many times as much in this world. In the world to come, they will live forever.”

So, I can see with my mind’s eye these people lifting their lives to God, hands cupped and arms outstretched, a living sacrifice to Him. It is a beautiful thing. Although it is still sometimes painful, it is not a foolish choice.

“He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” –Jim Elliot