The Secret is Christ in me ... (Elizabeth Elliot)

You may have read Elizabeth Elliot’s story about the tragic death of her missionary husband and the miraculous revival among the tribal group responsible for the murder. My heart went out to her the first time I read her story decades ago.

Since then I’ve heard numerous guilt and shame preachers, writers, and platform speakers use her as an example of a sold-out Christian. She and her little band of missionaries gave it all for Jesus.

Which they did.

However, recently I came across a quote from Elizabeth Elliot that none of the guilt and shame crowd had ever mentioned: “The secret is Christ in me, not me in a different set of circumstances!”

How refreshingly New Testament! How wonderfully centered on grace and mercy!

Like many Christians, I’m worn out by all the voices screaming at us that if we want to do great things for Jesus we need to be as committed, selfless, and sacrificial as the great saints of history, and here’s my point: What made them so committed, selfless, and sacrificial was Christ in them, not “them” in them!

Think of it. If you have trusted in Him as the One who made payment for your sins, He is in you.

Right now!

You have every resource in Christ you will ever need to live an Elizabeth Elliot type of life. Not hers exactly, but the one our Father has exactly planned for you (Ephesians 2:10).

That’s the secret!

As spectacular of a quote as this is, it’s not a truth reserved for special Christians. Everyday Christians just like you and me can live out the secret to Elizabeth Elliot type impact in following Jesus — Christ in us, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27).

Question: Do you think I’ve overstated this simple truth? If so, why?