Never a Waste

The recent news about the death of Charles Wesco, missionary to Cameroon, has gripped the hearts of hundreds of thousands across the world. We are all deeply impacted by the life of one who was fully committed to Christ. Charles and his wife, Stephanie, had spent years of praying, planning and preparing to move to Cameroon. They had raised prayer and financial support from many churches. Charles and his family were just settling into missionary work. He had only enjoyed only one Sunday with the Cameroonian believers. Seemingly, he had yet to do a great work for God. In an instant, his call, dream and vision were cut short. One of the questions I have heard from honest, wondering observers is, “Was it a waste?”

So, was his dying a waste? From a human, temporal perspective, it does seem like a waste of all that preparation, potential and passion. However, from a divine, eternal perspective, no life fully surrendered to God and His service is a waste. The life that is engaged in Christ’s mission is never a waste. The life that brings glory to God by making Him known is never a waste. The life that serves God with no reserves is never a waste. In fact, we have Jesus’ word on it.

Mark 8:35 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it.

Those who desperately try to rescue their lives from every distress, danger and discomfort will surely lose it. While the person who willing gives up their life to follow Christ and His mission will certainly save it. Truthfully, living life as a fully committed follower of Christ saves us from the tragedy of a wasted life. I have been deeply touched by the death of Charles Wesco. I am thankful to have known a man in this generation that has so clearly demonstrated this truth. Charles’ life is not a loss, but a grand success. He died in the center of God’s will doing what God had called him to do. Because of that, God will see to it, that both his life and death impact hearts for eternity now and for years to come.

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