“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 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 NKJV)
The apostle Paul won the crown of righteousness because he finished well. The crown is awaiting all who are finishers. To finish the race means to be fully obedient to Christ all the days of my life. It means to humbly follow Christ and stay within the boundary lines He has set for us. It means to continue growing in purity of heart until the day I see Him face to face and become fully like Him (see 1 John 3:2-3). To finish the race means that I give myself fully to the work He assigned me so that when my life is done, I can say, along with Jesus, “I have brought You glory on earth by finishing the work You gave me to do.” (John 17:4 NIV).
Many Christians are not finishing well. But the power of Christ is available to counteract the pressures of this rebellious generation. Even where there has been failure, even when we stumble, God is able to pick us up, grant forgiveness, and give new purpose and power for living.
Commit yourself now to the way of endurance and overcoming. Like Paul, be a finisher.
-- Adapted from Ken Radke in “The Race Set Before Us”
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