S&F-Finish Strong

 

My favorite Bible reading comes from the Second Letter of Paul to Timothy.

"For I am already being poured out like a libation, and the time of my departure is at hand.  I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith.  From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the just judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but to all who have longed for his appearance."

As someone who has tried to live life as a recreational athlete and completed in countless races from high school to almost the current day, I like the way Paul considers his life a race.  He realizes, like all of us, every race invariably has an end.

So the question is, how did we do in that race?  Reflecting on my race I think, for the most part, I have competed hard.  I have done my best to keep my eye on what is important- family, God and country.

One thing I learned from all those races I completed is that most people ease off near the finish line.  By working hard all the way to the end I passed many people within sight of the finish.

I can't be Paul.  But I can be inspired by his life.  I can use the energy I have left to devote to the reason we are all here, namely God.  I am here on Earth because of him and every day I live is for him.

So, like a race, its time to finish strong and make the last final kick for the finish line.  Work hard all the way through to the end.

I hope this doesn't sound like I'm looking forward to the end, because that's not the case at all.  I just think it's important to make the most of the time I am here, especially now that I can see who is waiting for me at the finish line, Jesus.  He is there waiting for me, but to quote the ending of Gladiator, "I will see you again, but not yet, not yet."