Life Account

My family receives each quarter, “Focus”, the Andrews University magazine that chronicles various news and reports of the University. One issue provided several inspirational life stories of Andrews University Alumni who had passed away. As I read accounts of these people’s lives, it struck me of how much dedication and service a person could do in a lifetime. The people in the article were not famous by the world’s standards, but their lifework were noteworthy nonetheless. They used their God-given talents to make a difference in the world around them.
One woman named Mary Jane Mitchell received two Bachelor’s degrees and a Master of Arts degree in church history. She was instrumental in creating the James White Library which holds a wealth of history and information of the Christian church. She did her work with great compassion for the people as well as her work. At the same time, she was a mother and devoted wife, taking care of her husband with multiple sclerosis.
Another man named, C. Fred Clarke, vowed to serve the Lord from his early years. He devoted most of his life overseas to help the work of the church. He directed the construction of Solusi Mission School and was the administrator for the School’s operation. He built a church in Solusi and created a new dam and reservoir for the people. Mr. Clarke went on to construct and administer a secondary school in Zambia from its small beginnings to a seven-stream high school.
There are many other stories such as these of people working for the Lord and making such a difference in other people’s lives. As I read these life stories, I thought to myself, what would my life story be? Will I make a difference in anyone’s life? Will I use my talents for the good of others? Will people come to know God through me? More importantly, what would my life record be in the books of heaven?
We only have one life to live. Let us live so that God would be glorified and that we would be a blessing to others. We do not need to search for riches or fame by the world’s standards, for a life devoted in service for the good of others is much more valuable. “Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power: That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ” (II Thess. 1:11, 12).
Cynthia Ly Lan Nguyen