Finishing Well
“Know you not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man tht striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” 1st Corinthians 9:24-27.
Some people do not finish well, and others do. Why? It comes down to our choices. The choices you make today determine how you finish tomorrow. You can live in very difficult circumstances and make wise choices. There is a great probability you will finish well. You can live in the best conditions and make unwise choices. Chances are you will not finish well. So does it mean we will have no regrets when we finish well? No.
God is not looking for perfection, but He does desire passion for Himself and obedience to His Word. People who do not finish well decide to take control. They act like they have a better plan than God. This type of decision-making process will have limited success, if any, in the Lord’s eyes. How, then, does the Bible describe finishing well?
It is like a lifelong race—a marathon. Jesus is at the finish line, and as you run, an eternal entourage of people who have been faithful before you surround you. Your Savior is interceding on your behalf and encourage you to finish well. This is His will. Do not lose heart or become proud of heart. Keep your focus on the ultimate destination—the prize of Christ’s commendation that awaits you. The Bible says:
“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endures the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him that endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.” Hebrews 12:1–3
Along the race that is set before you, you will encounter difficulty. You will tire and need rest. You will have stretches of road that you will feel alone and feel like quitting. Other times the race will seem like an uphill battle with every muscle in your body screaming for attention. But thankfully, there are times of refreshment and rejuvenation. After you have run up a hill of hope, there is an opportunity to enjoy the righteous run down the other side. Indeed, some roads dead-end. You need to regroup and study the map (Scripture) of God’s will.
Thus, finishing well thrives in the presence of God. Intimacy with Him positions you to hear His voice and obey Him. You want to please the One you love. And be an example to those who love you. Accountability from others who love you most facilitates finishing well. Listen intently to those who have your best interest in mind, who are finishing well themselves. We need mentors to help us refocus on the right priorities.
Lastly, finishing well means to live is Christ and to die is gain. There is a sense of urgency to live our life today for Christ, since tomorrow may not come. We live best when we live as if today were our last day. Thus, finish well today for your heavenly Father, family, friends, and future saints. A life well spent makes your Savior smile and say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:21
Prayer
Heavenly Father, protect me from myself by Your Holy Spirit’s conviction and loving accountability from friends, in Jesus’ name, amen.
Application
What does it mean for me to finish well? Am I finishing well today?
Related Reading
Proverbs 20:28; Isaiah 26:2; Acts 27:25; 2 Timothy 4:6–8
