Faithful ‘til the end

For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths. But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you. As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:3-8

The Apostle Paul is reminding Timothy of the call for every follower of Christ to remain faithful. He told him that everything in his life was about living for Jesus. His focused is to stay strong in his faith so he could finish the race well anticipating that at the end of the race Jesus is there to welcome him. Life is compared to a race and Christians are to run in such a way that they will give their best. There are things in this world that will try to divert your attention so you’ll get sidetracked from the course set for you by God. This is why you have to be conscious in making your choices in life. Each day that you make decision on how you will live your life, there is a temptation to not give your all to God. Paul has to make a conscious decision to focus to the finish line so he could run well. He encouraged Timothy to do the same. As Timothy’s brother in the Lord, Paul realized how important to come along side Timothy. Every believer could benefit from the encouragement from one another. “As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend” (Proverbs 27:17). Each one is called to have an influence to others. This means that you will try to find an opportunity to participate in the body of Christ so you could minister to others and have others ministered to you. This is where you draw strength and experience growth not only in your life but the life of others as well. You grow more in those times encouraging fellow Christians talking about the Lord than you do when you listen to hundreds of sermons combined. Each one needs fellowship to strengthen one another so you could be faithful until the end.