Live With the End in Mind

At the end of Apostle Paul’s journey, he wrote to his ‘protege’ Timothy, ^“7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. ⁸ Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing” 2 Timothy 4:7-8. I know many of you have heard the saying “begin with the end in mind”. There is no way for me to begin again, unless I count each day as a new beginning. That would be a great perspective, if my lifetime of living, loving, and deeds were not cumulative, meaning increasing with quantity and degree. I pray that my living, loving, and works are an increasing fragrance to God every time, not a low-level stench. This verse is a familiar passage at funerals, but I would like for us to celebrate a good, finished, and faithful race While we run it.

When we have completed our race, others will be the ones to celebrate the quality and degree of that they witnessed. So, why not celebrate our good, finished, and faithful race each and everyday. After all, God is faithful. I believe… Furthermore, at the crowning of our lives, we will all celebrate together, so why not celebrate the here and now together as well. “For we must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. 2 Corinthians. 5:10

I encourage you to consider how to spur/motive each other to love and good works/deed, Hebrews 11:24, especially during these last days. Be a cheerleader for one another with a committed love. This is void petty jealousies, misplaced frustration, lofty standards, and unrealistic expectations. The love of God compels us to love each other, because He first loved(s) us. His love is ongoing. Since God loves us, we ought to love one another. We show this love by motivating and encouraging one another toward his/her finish line while he or she is running his or her race with faith. Reach out and help others to make their fight a good one toward a strong finish. If you don’t know how… love will guide you, love never fails.

Thank you Lord for the encouraging words of Apostle Paul. Help me to finish my race with the same convictions, knowing that I will receive my gracious reward. Also help me to encourage others along the way. I dare not try to imagine my finished race, because being in your presence will be the height of my contentment. Thank you for helping me to finish my race good, strong, and faithful. I believe… amen!