Your Life is Not Your Own

by Andrew Kean

Jesus Himself said it: “For whoever
wants to save his life will lose it, but
whoever loses his life for Me will find
it” (Mat-thew 16:25). It is to us all that
Jesus speaks these very words, without
exception. It is with His words in mind
that I write to you, Fellows. And it is
with His words in mind that I hope you,
Trinity Church, will eavesdrop on this
farewell address.

Dear Fellows,

Just nine months ago, the 13 of you were
anonymous to the majority of Trinity
Church. You were simply another group
of “young adults” who might be considered
a hard generation of folks to understand.
But between then and now, you
have become members of our Family,
examples to our children, servants of others,
studiers of God’s Word, prayers for
God’s will, thoughtful searchers, wise
answerers, marketplace-faithful, community
builders, eager anticipators of the
King’s return. In sum, you have tasted the
beautiful fruit of the Truest Paradox:
through giving your lives to Jesus, you
are beginning to find them.
It has been at once painful and joyful,
confusing and clear. Yet, through it all,
with the Spirit strengthening you, you
have proved faithful. Let me, on behalf of
Trinity Church and Charlottesville say,
“Thank you.”


Soon you will be sent out by Trinity
Presbyterian Church. Out into the world,
into new vocations, into new relationships,
into new needs, into new dreams.
Don’t look back in a wistful way; look
forward, applying all that you have
learned. Motivated by our King’s love for
us, seek the hard places, seek the places
of discomfort in others’ lives (and your
own), love boldly, aim to be men and
women of prayer, and above all, worship
the King.

Fare well, Fellows.
And remember, your life is not your
own.

Grace and Peace,
Andrew Kean