None of These Things Move Me
Submitted by Ted Mock
February 26, 2025
Ac 20:24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
We were privileged to be able to attend the memorial homegoing services of our dear friend Pastor Chester Thrift this past Monday. It was held at the church he founded, Temple Baptist Church of Deltona, Florida.
We were introduced to Pastor Thrift and his dear wife, Mrs. Jimmie, years ago through Larry and Paula Neff, and our association with the Lighthouse Children’s Homes. From the very beginning, they took us into their hearts as if we were family. Over time we came to understand we were not the only couple they took under their wing to help them in ministry. There were dozens who came before us. Only eternity will reveal the number of lives they influenced for the cause of Christ.
The church was as full as I have ever seen it, with many faces I did not recognize, each one a life that had been changed by knowing Preacher. No one could ever wish for better things to be said of him than were said by his family and preacher friends who were asked to speak.
He was many things, but most of all he was a man of impeccable character, without a hint of scandal in his long ministry. A true Southern Gentleman, a man of The Book and a Baptist by unwavering conviction. He was, as Paul would say in the book of Acts, “Of the Way.” His walk matched his talk.
His friend from college days, Bruce Turner, preached the funeral sermon from the passage above in Acts. He said, “Preacher’s life can be characterized by his consistency—‘None of these things move me’—his humility, he didn’t count his life dear to himself—and that he finished his course well and with joy.”
Knowing that Preacher would have wanted it no other way, Pastor Turner closed with a clear presentation of the gospel.
The best thing anyone could say on this side of your life is that you finished well. But that will never compare with hearing, “Well done” from the Saviour on the other side.
Oh Lord, help me finish well, help me finish like Preacher.
Consider – Your life was not given to you, for you to use and to do as you please, but it was given to you for Jesus to use and to do as He pleases.
