Gaining What Cannot Be Lost

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

January 2, 1956, was the day Jim Elliot had been dreaming of. Today was the day he would meet the Auca tribe in Ecuador and share the greatest story ever told. The story of Jesus Christ. What was supposed to be a day of celebration quickly turned into a day of mourning. Jim thanked God for a new day, and with four of his friends set out for one last mission.

An Abandoned Life

“The will of God is always a bigger thing than we bargain for, but we must believe that whatever it involves, it is good, acceptable, and perfect.” Jim Elliot

Ever since Jim Elliot was a child, he dreamed of being a missionary. Whenever a missionary would visit his church, he intently listened to their stories and with a fire in his soul knew that he would one day be in their place. When Elliot grew up, he attended Wheaton College and met his loving wife Elizabeth. The couple connected with four other men and their wives who had the same desire as the Elliots: to see every tribe transformed by the saving power of Christ. On February 2, 1952, the Elliots left their home in America and settled in Quito, Ecuador.

A Life For Many Lives

“When the time comes to die, make sure that all you have to do is die!” – Jim Elliot

Elliot spent one year in Quito before moving to a small Indian village. He and his team spent the next three years sharing the gospel and meeting the needs of the people in small villages in the area. But there was one tribe that Elliot could not stop thinking about; The Aucas. The Aucas were not known for their hospitality. They were vicious and had a history of killing many from the very tribes Elliot had been living with. But Elliot and his friends knew that Jesus died for them as much as He died for anyone else. The missionaries began contacting the Auca tribe by dropping gifts via airplane. Surely, the Aucas would see that they are not a threat and be open to meeting with them face-to-face.

One day, the missionaries landed their plane on a beach near where the Aucas lived and were greeted by a man and two women. The missionaries ate and befriended the Aucas believing that they were having a breakthrough. The Aucas returned to their tribe, promising to bring back others. After two days the Aucas returned, but with different intentions. Elliot, alongside his four missionary colleagues, were ambushed and speared to death.

Are They Worth Dying For?

Many of us are willing to die for those we know, but what would it take for you to die for a stranger? Jim Elliot felt so strongly in his heart that Jesus died for each member of the Auca tribe and that made them worth sacrificing his life. Elliot both challenges and inspires me.

I have often found it difficult to share the gospel with people. The fear of if they will continue to be your friend or accuse you of being judgmental. Elliot's actions provoke a question; if I am not willing to die for people to have a relationship with Jesus, how valuable is the gospel to me really? Most of the time we aren’t in a position where our life is on the line, but the question is still the same. If I am unwilling to get uncomfortable for those around me to have a relationship with Jesus, how valuable is the gospel to me really?

This week, I want to challenge you and (myself) to share the gospel with someone.

-          About the publisher

-          Featured stories