Well Done!

Welll Done!

2 Timothy 4:7 AMP

[7] I have fought the good and worthy and noble fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith [firmly guarding the gospel against error].

The wisest man who ever lived on earth, at least according to bible records, once said that for everything there is a season, and a time for every activity under heaven. The very first activity mentioned is 'a time to be born and a time to die'. This is central to the theme of the verse above. Between being born and dying, there are a lot of things that will happen and a lot of things to be accounted for. There is no one who is able to control when to be born or when death comes, but once birth has taken place, a clean slate is provided on which we all have the power to choose what we write on that slate and how that life is lived. We do not have control over when and how we die, but we do have information on what to do before death comes. The bible is full of stories of both men and women who lived on the earth at different times across different generations and dispensations. 

We have several lessons we can either adopt or discard, as we journey towards that inevitable end of life, and the judgement and reward that must follow. Paul was one of the men in the bible who did have a violent start, at least by human measurement, as we see him as part of a conspiracy to commit murder of Stephen. He then went on a rampage against Christians at the time, but he was arrested, and had an encounter with Jesus. The rest, as they say, is history. From bible records, Paul was involved in more than half of the letters of the new testament, and his work among the Gentiles of his day remains the foundation of the spread of the gospel to the ends of the earth, as mandated by Jesus when He was leaving the earth. The reflection for me here must be: what am I doing on earth right now that will set me up for a glorious end? Do my current pursuits and priorities guarantee me a good end, and a reward for faithful service by God? 

Check out the confidence in the words of Paul in the verse above. The confidence did not come from a false sense of importance, but a place of conviction and backing. He had seen God move, but he had also been faithful to his calling. There was no room for pride or selfish ambition; and this ministry did not give room to pursue personal agendas. There was a focus on bringing glory to the name of the Lord and drawing men to the kingdom. That is what God rewards. I note that I do not have forever on this side of eternity to settle down and work. There is no permanent residence down here; at some point, the fight will be over, the race will be finished, and the reward of faith will have to be sorted. Am I sure my current course and direction will land me safely in heaven with God when this earthly phase is done? As long as I have life, I can take steps to be sure. Know and follow God wholeheartedly; the end is eternal life. The alternative is NOT worth considering. God's time of favour is here.