Finishing well

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 was to stay strong in his faith so he could finish the race well anticipating the day seeing Jesus at the end of the race 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 our attention so we’ll get sidetracked from the course set for us by God. This is why we have to be perceptive in making our choices in life. Each day we are bombarded by temptations to disregard following God’s will in our life. From the text, Paul told Timothy that he has to make a deliberate choice to focus on 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. Paul also urged Timothy to find encouragement in the knowledge that Christ will one day appear to usher in His Kingdom. Such knowledge should cause every believer to be ready by remaining faithful in serving God. Though people might not listen when we share to them the truth, we are still commanded to continue to tell others about the gospel. Once life gets infused by the truth of the gospel, God’s power flows within that provides fullness in living. God’s word must be central to the life of every believer that it becomes the source that dictates actions and yearnings.

Blessings,

Noel De Guzman

www.my-wbc.com