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The Apostle Paul concludes his Pastoral teachings to Timothy with a victorious and magnificent statement: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race”. Many people have good star ts to their Christian life but many also end poorly and sadly. Along life’s journey, some get distracted and go off course and some might even deny their Christian faith. Often we hear of people who were Christians active in various Christian ministries like the YFC, Campus Crusade, Inter-school Christian Fellowship (ISCF), Varsity Christian Fellowship (VCF) etc. But once they entered into the workplace, it is almost as if they are drawn into another earthly dimension. Worldly pursuits and pleasures draw some away from the righteous and God-centred life. They make life choices full of selfish ambitions and desires for rapid success and financial gain. Faith in God and love of God takes second place; love and care for fellow humankind take a back seat.
In Eccl. 7:8a, King Solomon wrote: “The end of a matter is better than its beginning”. One may boast in one’s beginning or how one start doing something but there is only success when it is completed. To complete a given task well requires patience and perseverance. Hence Eccl. 7:8b states: “and patience is better than pride.” It is the ability to stay on course with steadfast determination to complete the task that one can look back with thankfulness to God and pride of achievement. There is no glory inproclaiming the past and recounting what was done twenty/thirty years ago as a young Christian. Does the Christian have current “ war” stories to tell? Is God still active in our lives? Is His name and honour still being glorified and uplifted by our present faithfulness?
The Apostle Paul can say without any doubt whatsoever that his race is finished and he has kept the faith? Jesus prayed: “I have glorified you on the earth; I have finished the work which you have given me to do”. He proclaimed on the cross: “It is finished”. Paul knew his mission on earth, and like Jesus, kept the faith, ending well. All who belong and long for Jesus’ coming will be awarded the crown of righteousness. This is sure promise by our Lord, the righteous Judge. What can we say at this point of our lives – ending well?
