On Finishing Well
April 26, 2009
You will probably agree that the idea of completing tasks is presented to us from our youth. “Finish your dinner.” “Finish cleaning your room.” “Finish your homework.” These and so many other admonitions can be recalled from our childhood. But let’s be honest — we did not always do those tasks correctly or consistently, did we? Well, our behavior as children is often our behavior as adults. For example, thirteen West Broad members recently completed the Ukrop’s 10K Race. Several weeks of “pre-race” training were required, but many of the participants did not stick to the training schedule. They missed weeks, modified regimens, and generally deviated from the training plan. But you know what? All thirteen of these folks finished the race. What does this tell us, West Broad and friends? Only that “deviations” from training — which should be avoided — do not necessarily mean that we will not be successful. Think for a moment about the great patriarch Abraham. You might recall that this noble fellow did many things he should not have done. Nevertheless, at the end of his life he was highly favored by God (Gen. 24:1). Why? Because Abraham was faithful . . . even though he was not perfect. There is a message here for us, friends. As you and I strive to complete the task called “life,” we will make mistakes and “deviate” from God’s training plan (Deut. 6:4-6). But remember: deviation is not abdication. If we repent of our errors and do our best before the Lord, we will finish well (1 Jn. 1:9). Please think about it! —JLNJR
