Energetic Commitment

“Speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ.” – 1 Peter 4:11 NLT

Thomas Coke was filled with boundless energy. John Wesley affectionately described him like a flea, for it seemed he was constantly in motion serving God.

Coke was born on this day in 1747 in Wales. He later graduated from Oxford University with a doctorate in civil law. After a brief career in politics, he laid everything aside to focus on ministry. In August 1776, he told John Wesley he was willing to go anywhere to spread the Gospel.

He became the first Methodist bishop in America, traveled to the West Indies, and arranged ministry outreaches in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia. On the other side of the Atlantic, he preached in France, traveled to Sierra Leone, established a mission in Gibraltar, and oversaw missions work in Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.

In December 1813, Coke set sail from England to establish a mission in India but died at sea. To the end, he dedicated his life and resources to the Gospel.

Francis Asbury preached a memorial sermon paying tribute to Coke as “the greatest man in the last century.” He inspired people throughout the world, devoting his life to spreading the Gospel “with all the strength and energy that God supplies.”

Whatever gifts God gives you, think about the example of Thomas Coke. Invest your life in serving God. Do it with energy!

Reflection Question: What talents and treasures has God given you to invest in service to Him?