2 Timothy 4:7-8 AMPC
[7] I have fought the good (worthy, honorable, and noble) fight, I have finished the race, I have kept (firmly held) the faith. [8] [As to what remains] henceforth there is laid up for me the [victor's] crown of righteousness [for being right with God and doing right], which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me and recompense me on that [great] day–and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved and yearned for and welcomed His appearing (His return).
Paul was writing to his protege Timothy, a young man he had found during one of his missionary journeys. He mentored him, teaching him the way of the Lord until the young man could stand on his feet. It was always clear from Paul's interactions with people that he valued the blessings of close relationships, but he also understood that these interactions had eternal consequences too. Like Paul, it is an understanding I must also have in all my interactions with people. I am not promised forever on this side and version of earth, because this current heaven and earth have been promised to a fire that cannot be quenched by anything this earth can provide. I am on this version of earth for a limited season, to serve a purpose down here on earth, and, when the right time comes, whenever God determines that to be, to make my way to eternal dwellings.
It is important I know this for a fact, so it can influence all I do, and how I do them. The one who is focused on heaven is not distracted by anything this earth has to offer. The person who knows what heaven promises ignores the false and deceptive allure of the earth's treasures. This person focuses solely on the race he has been called to. This is what Paul understood quite clearly, as laid out in the verses above. In the first verse, the word I is mentioned thrice. It was not a focus on self, but an evaluation of where God had brought him to. He was not pomoting self; but asking us to evaluate ourselves too in the light of God's expectations. He understood purpose, timing and eternity. He knew he was in a fight for something great; he knew he was in a race where focus and consistency are critical, and he also knew that there was great value in the faith he had received and was mandated to promote.
Like Paul, I have the same mandate: focus on the fight, race and faith, and make sure to hold on to the end. Like Paul, there will be the things that may look important, but I must know what is really critical to my eternal destination. Paul knew who he was working for and what he was labouring for; he could face tough times with joy, because the One living in him was greater, bigger, stronger and better than the combination of all the forces against him. There is a personal reward for all of us; it does not matter how many of us qualify for the prize. God has enough crowns to go round for all who make it to the end. No demand on earth can exhaust the resources of heaven. We deal with a God of limitless and endless resources, who wants us to reign with Him at the end of our lives on earth. The conditions to adhere to; the consequences of my actions and decisions are laid out clearly by God. I just need to make up my mind on what I will do. Eternity beckons; God waits for us to surrender to Him. What is your decision? God's time of favour is here.
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