Daily Devotion

“Rather burn out than rust out”

George Leslie Mackay · "Formosa Chronicles: Miscellaneous Notes on Missionary Work in Taiwan"

Scripture

Romans 12:1 Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.

Reflection

"Better to burn than to rust" is not only Ma Xue's motto, but also a profound practice of the "living sacrifice" principle in Romans 12:1. In our busy, multifaceted lives, we often mistakenly believe that conserving energy and avoiding challenges is wise, unaware that mediocrity and laziness, like rust, silently erode the sharpness of life. True holiness and joy do not stem from the comfort of escapism, but from transforming talent, resources, and time into the flame of an altar through complete engagement. Rather than wasting time in stagnation, let us witness the most brilliant value of life by burning for others, for truth, and for ideals.