Finish Strongly

https://odb.org/MY/2022/05/13/finish-strong

When it comes to our spiritual walk, the natural tendency is to get weary and slack off. Not backsliding but just our fervency or intensity reduced. It could be due to a variety of reasons, among of which, is just plain fatigue. Sometimes we face the same issues over and over again, so we get tired and kind of worn out.

The exhortation by Paul in Acts 20 is thus a good motivation for us to keep things hot. Paul considers his life worth nothing and his only aim is to finish the race and complete the task God has given him. Meaning to say nothing else is on his mind except to finish the race and complete his God given task. He is fully focused and totally committed.

For us, Paul’s 100% focus might not be practical as we have our work, our career, family and other obligations to think about. In fact, for me, my work occupies most of my thoughts most of the time. It is not practical because our job pays our bills and put food on the table. Also as we approach retirement, we who are not on a pension scheme, need to build up substantial savings for our old age.

However, having said that we also know that our life here is temporal and an eternal destiny and inheritance await us in heaven. There is thus also a need to store our treasures in heaven and sow into the kingdom. Further we also need to be focused on fulfilling God’s calling for us on earth, to fulfil His plans and purposes for us so that we are conformed to the image of Christ that we may test and approve His good and pleasing and perfect will for us.

My exhortation for us today is that whatever we need to do to survive in this world, make sure we don’t compromise our destiny in heaven, make sure we stay true to His narrow path and make sure we sow into our heavenly treasures. Treat others well. Treat others with dignity. Give people their due respect. Serve God with all our heart. Work at our character to be consistent with the image of Christ. Fulfil God’s plans and purposes for our lives. Run the race consistently and finish strongly to complete our God-given task! As we dwell in His presence, I know that He will take away all our weariness and rejuvenate us to fight another day for His cause! Amen!