Missionary Jim Elliot is remembered as one of the five missionaries who lost their lives in 1956 in an attempt to reach the Waodoni (or Auca) tribe in the jungles of Ecuador.
Perhaps the most famous quote that Elliot is remembered for, is this:
He is no fool, who gives what he cannot keep, to gain what he cannot lose.
I have heard that quote recounted numerous times in sermons about missions, and justifiably so. But when I was reading through a new biography of Matthew Henry (see my review here), I was intrigued when I came across this saying attributed to Henry’s father Philip (also a minister):
He is no fool who parts with that which he cannot keep, when he is sure to be recompensed with that which he cannot lose.
–from Matthew Henry: His Life and Influence, by Allan Harman, (Chritian Focus, 2012), Kindle location 345-47.
I thought that the resemblance between these two quotes was almost uncanny — and I am not the first to notice the similarities. The Billy Graham Center has a page with a photo of Elliot’s diary entry from October 28, 1949 where he first penned the above words. It also points out the same quote from Philip Henry, that I shared above.
Was Jim Elliot dependent on Philip Henry? We may never know. But both quotes express a powerful message in an elegant way. May we ponder the eternal value of our heavenly inheritance today.
That’s an interesting find, Bob. Whatever the case, it seems to me both are dependent on the words of Jesus:
“Whoever loves his life loses it,” [so he gives what he cannot keep] “and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life” [to gain what he cannot lose]. (John 12:25)
Good point, Barry! Very true.
Jim’s quote is from his private journals which he never expected would be made public. The quote is a reflection upon his deep knowledge and understanding of Scripture. Consider the record we have of what Jim’s Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ said, “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” (Matthew 16:26; Mark 8:36; Luke 9:25).
Jim Elliot was certainly not the only one to have reflected so much on this truth that they paraphrased the words for themselves (there are many examples of others who have reflected similar thoughts).
Blessings to you and your ministry.
~ BloggerBob