Finishing Strong

“Care for the flock of God entrusted to you . . willingly, not grudgingly.” 1 Peter 5:2 NLT.

A good start is important but how well you finish is essential.

My thoughts and comments today are about “finishing strong.”

A short attention span is the enemy of success. Moving on to new ventures, some people leave much unfinished – promises unfulfilled, relationships broken, plans discarded, intentions incomplete, or focus diminished. Their inevitable lack of success prompts seeking something else more immediately challenging or satisfying. When looking ahead for something better to do, you will not do well the task at hand. A good start is important but how well you finish is essential. Solomon discovered, “The end of a thing is better than its beginning.” Ecclesiastes 7:8 NKJV.

Resolve is strengthened when you see your task as God’s assignment. The Bible is clear about God’s expectations. ”Care for the flock of God entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly . .  because you are eager to serve God.” 1 Peter 5:2 NLT. Peter used the imagery of a shepherd, but the principal is simple and current – be diligent about opportunities God entrusts to you. Paul instructed young Timothy, “Men ought to regard us as servants of Christ . . entrusted with the secret things of God. It is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.” 1 Corinthians 4:1-2 NIV.

You are entrusted to serve God eagerly.If you are a student then be the best student you can be – attentive in your classes, diligent in your studies, invested in your education. If you are employed, consistently give your best effort – on time, serving happily, working diligently. If you are a friend, be loyal and trustworthy. If you are married, apply yourself wholeheartedly to your marriage – edify your spouse, demonstrate your care, evidence love consistently. If you have children, provide well for them – prioritize time and energy, provide Godly “nurture and admonition.” Ephesians 6:4 NKJV.

If you confess to be a follower of Christ, serve Him with excellence – live with integrity, speak truth, and serve God and man humbly. See Colossians 3:23-24/Ephesians 6:6-8 NKJV. Your reward will be incomparable. “And when the [Chief] Shepherd comes, your reward will be a never-ending share in his glory and honor.” 1 Peter 5:4 NLT.

Jesus is your example. The Bible concludes with Jesus’ bold words, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” Revelation 22:13 NIV. In Jesus’ account of His life to His Father, He said with confidence, “I have brought You glory on earth by completing the work You gave me to do.” John 17:4 NIV. Jesus allowed nothing and no one – neither friends’ well-meant help nor critics’ evil intent – to dissuade Him from His singular pursuit of the will of God. Amid Jesus’ physical and spiritual anguish on the cross, He rattled Hell with His triumphant words, “It is finished!” John 19:30 NIV. No whimper of defeat was that; Hell and the grave were vanquished forever. The Seed of the woman bruised the head of the serpent as God had said. See Genesis 3:15 NIV.

Our God has not changed; He will complete the work He has begun. “Confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it . . He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6 NKJV/1 Corinthians 1:8 NIV. Be patient; God is not finished with you yet. Complete, that’s what you’ll be.

My prayer for you today is that you finish strong and with joy receive His “Well done!”