Apex

Apex is an interesting word, isn’t it? It’s one of those words that might help you score good points in scrabble. It can be described as culmination, climax, summit or pinnacle. Pondering it, led me to think about what we see as the possible highest point in our lives. What do we pursue? What are we after? And are our dreams and pursuits really in line with the word of God?

I wonder what you would say was the high point in Jesus’ life. Was it when He was an acclaimed preacher, teacher and healer, with crowds of thousands streaming to catch a glimpse Him? What I think is that, from God’s perspective, the highest point of Jesus’ life was His lowest point- the cross. When all seemed over, when everyone had deserted Him, and when He did nothing but obey the will of God - that must have been the point in Jesus’ life that was most precious to God.

What about us? What do we see as the possible apex of our lives? Would it be to be famous, successful, well-recognised and respected? Many times, even as Christians, we throw around buzz-words such as self-fulfilment, and self-development. We want to live to our fullest potential. These things sound great, but is that the ultimate thing God is after?

I believe that we all have a God-given destiny and calling. I believe that we have things to do in life that God has prepared for us in advance. But I wonder if it would be good for us if our focal point was pleasing the Father, rather than anything else. It’s all too easy for us to live a kind of Christianity which isn’t much more than worldly, self-focused pursuits, underneath an acceptable Christian veneer.

Hard words perhaps, but we can only find true peace, and true fulfilment when we agree with God about the course of our lives. We find joy and lasting wholeness when God’s priorities become ours. Derek Prince used to say ‘the way up is down’. If we want to become more in God’s eyes, we must be willing to become less. When the final day comes, God will reward us, not according to how good we looked on the outside, but according to what we really were. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if, when we meet Him, we know that our highest goal in life has been to selflessly please Him?

Prayer: Father in heaven, thank You that You love us and want what’s best for us. Yet Your ways are not ours, and You ask us to deny ourselves. This is so hard, Lord. Please help us to follow You and to trustingly surrender our self-will to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.