To finish well, start well

The ultimate finish line for the Christian is heaven. John chapter 3 verse 16 is a very popular passage of Bible. Therein is clearly stated the final destination, the ultimate finish line, of the Christian. It says,

John 3:16  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Having everlasting life is the ultimate goal of the true Christian. This informs Paul’s admonition to the Romans. Paul explained to them why there was a need for a change of life (or lifestyle) among the Roman Christians. He said,

Romans 6:22  But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.

In other words, God calls you to holiness, not merely so that you can have an impressive and attractive character; not merely so that there can be peace in your conscience and in your homes; not merely to avoid the conflicts and strife that goes with sinful living; but most importantly to the end that you may inherit everlasting life. If we understand this very well, we shall appreciate the difference between the Christian life and the life of a mere moralist. The finish line of a moralist is here on earth; but it is not so for a Christian. That is why our Lord made it plain by answering Pilate thus:

John 18:36  …My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.

The world is getting more and more secular; more and more permissive. Please resolve this year that you shall live distinctive lives like Daniel and his friends, and God shall give unto you distinctive lives as He did for the Hebrew boys. Daniel served meritoriously under at least three kings of Babylon. Why did he not fade out with each dispensation? Why did Daniel finish strong? It was because he had a godly character – a character that was deeply immersed in Godly living (Daniel 6: 5).

Godly living may incite oppositionagainst us. It did for Daniel and his friends. Yet, if we seek to reign with Christ, we must not be afraid. Our Lord says,

Matthew 10:22  And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.

Whether the“Finish Line” is December 31 this year; or our date of retirement; or that day when death shall close our eyes and they shall open on the other side of eternity, our Lord requires us to endure to the end. To be able to do that, we have to put our feet and focus in the right place from the beginning. Today, ensure that your two feet are in the kingdom of Christ. That is how to begin well.