One Life

It is obvious to say but hard to grasp - we only have one life to live.
The recent sad death of Amy Winehouse has highlighted the pressures that our celebrity obsessions place on those who are the focus of our idolatry. Her brilliance and potential have been destroyed  by the very people who loved what she could offer.
But yesterday had news of the death of John Stott, who was 90. He was 'full of years', and has had an influence on millions, as a preacher and Bible teacher.
As I reflected on his influence on my life, and countless others, I thought of the many times I heard him preach and speak. What amazed me was we never thought, 'What an exciting preacher!', but always, Isn't the Bible an amazing book!' or 'Isn't God's love wonderful!'.
But John Stott was not just a great teacher. His life modelled what he preached. In this, he was like the great apostle, St. Paul, who wrote, 'As for me, may I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross, my interest in this world has been crucified, and the world’s interest in me has also died.' (Galatians 6.14)
As I think of my one life, my prayer is to follow the example of John Stott and St. Paul - to be so Jesus focused that I am not obsessed by things of this world. What is your desire for your one life?
Best wishes,
Richard