The first line of my personal Vision Statement begins:”To Finish Well.” It is also listed as one of my Core values, where I add:”Recognize that finishing well takes foresight and planning.” Because this is so important to me I was grieved this last week to learn of the death of a fellow pastor and friend. While I don’t know the details, his life ended all too tragically with a shadow on his reputation as husband, father and pastor.
As I reflect on the desire to finish strong, a few thoughts have come to the fore front of my consciousness:
- “It ain’t over until it is over” (Yogi Berra) because we are human we will all make mistakes, we sin. However, finishing strong does not mean we are perfect and sinless. Rather we finish well when we are quick to confess our sin, claim God’s and others forgiveness, and take the necessary corrective steps to finish strong.
- Not all failure is sin! I was reminded of this at a recent Pastor’s teaching conference. Because we are finite, that is, we have limited wisdom, strength and other resources, our expectations, plans and dreams are sometimes thwarted. The key to finish strong then challenges us to learn any lessons we can, pick ourselves up and move forward to do what we can do, with more realistic expectations.
- Be “Courageous” at home. The recent movie of that name reminds us that the most important place to Finish Strong is at home. We may be able to look successful to our co workers, friends and neighbors, but what do our spouses and children think? Men the best person to ask how you can finish strong is your wife; the next best people to ask are your kids. Then make the changes/improvements they suggest. By the way for those who have seen the movie: dance with your daughter now, run with your son tonight.
- Pray for the discernment and power of the Holy Spirit to assist you in finishing strong.
“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been make perfect….I press on toward the goal to win the prize (Finishing Strong) for which God has called me …” Philippians 3:12&14
