Finishing Well

I have recently been thinking about finishing well ‘the race that is set before us.’  I know you younger folk (which is the majority of you!) are probably thinking, ‘That must be what happens when you get old like Pastor Terry!’  But I must be frank with you that this is something I have periodically meditated on throughout my Christian life.  The Apostle Paul had much to say about it, which must be why it has become something I go back to with some regularity. (That and the fact that I found it an interesting analogy as an athlete in my early years as a Christ follower.)

First of all, throughout his Christian life, Paul was running to win the Christian race.

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should  be disqualified.”  (1 Cor. 9:24-27)

He was always reaching for the upward prize in Christ.

“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

  (Philippians 3:14)

He was also well aware that he would have to give an account of his faithful service to His Savior.

“We must all appear before the bema seat of Christ (think of the ‘judges’ podium at the Olympics, for the Christian life NOT for judging who goes to Heaven or Hell) so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body whether good or evil.  

     (2 Corinthians 5:10)

So that as he comes to the end of his life he could confidently say,

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there  is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved His appearing.”   (2 Timothy 5:7-8)

Won’t you join me in having the same resolve and faith as the Apostle Paul? 

Let’s all FINISH WELL!