In light of Paul’s quest to finish his course, how often do we think about our finish? Perhaps we think a lot about our present spiritual life and maybe even our conversion in the past, but thinking about our finish in the Christian life is absolutely mandatory. Isn’t failing to do so a main reason for the presence of much foolishness, especially in young people? They fail to see or care about the future consequences of their choices. It’s undeniable that living for the present or glorying in the past leads to a self-centered, worldly lifestyle.
In fact, that is the opposite of living by faith for in Heb. 11:1 faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen…6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. Thinking about Christ’s future assessment of our lives at the end guards us from foolishness now. The main question is: Will we be found to be faithful in all of the responsibilities the Lord has given us?
Here are a couple key verses about the importance of our finish. The first is…Heb. 3:14 For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end. Next…1 Cor. 15:1 Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, 2 and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.
Those verses teach that one’s endurance to the end tells us a lot about where one stands with Christ.
In terms of hindrances to endurance, what gets substituted for completing the course Christ has given us? In other words, what do we find more valuable than following Christ’s path for us as laid out in his word?
-status from possessions or vocational position or educational accomplishments;
-respect or recognition from others;
-comfortable family relationships & friendships that never have any tension;
-a life with no trials or hardship.
Do we need those things to find value in our lives or can we find ultimate value simply in completing our course as laid out by Christ?
During Paul’s sermon back in Acts 13:25, Paul declared that John the Baptist completed his course and we know that got him beheaded. In 2 Tim. 4:7, Paul declares “I have finished the race or course” and history tells us Paul was martyred shortly after writing 2nd Timothy. Obviously, faithfulness probably won’t lead to great, earthly prosperity, but it will lead to an honorable life in the eyes of God and great future reward.