Body
LIVING FOR JESUS. The main idea of the hymn, "Living for Jesus," should be the continual theme for every genuine Christian—no matter what life brings. The first verse begins, "Living for Jesus a life that is true, Striving to please Him in all that I do." Does "all" really mean "ALL"? That is, of course, a biblically right mindset. Paul's testimony in Philippians 1:20-21 is, "And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. For to me, living means living for Christ." God had sovereignly led Paul and his team to Philippi. And it was there that God would use Paul and Silas as living examples of "living for Jesus." After casting a demon out of a young slave girl, her masters made false accusations against them. This likely brought on one of the biggest trials in their lives. Acts 16:22 tells us the result—"the magistrates tore off their clothes and commanded them to be beaten with rods." We're also told that they "laid MANY stripes on them" (v. 23). The closest example of what that was like is perhaps the caning that takes place in Singapore. Here are testimonies of some who were caned. "I heard the cane. It sounded like a plank hitting the wall. A split second later, I felt it tearing across my (backside). I screamed and struggled like a mad animal." This man said he couldn't sit, sleep on his back, or bathe for two weeks. After the first strike, another man said, "the pain was unbelievable and there were still five to go. There was pain in my whole body. Only my hair didn't feel pain." Another man stated, "Every stroke was a stroke of hell, which I will never forget as long as I live." These men only received about SIX "stripes." Can you imagine what "MANY stripes" would do? Yet how did Paul and Silas respond? They prayed and sang praises to God!!! Amazing! That, folks, is living for Jesus. And because they did, the jailer savingly trusted Jesus Christ! Yes, ALL means ALL!