Finish Well!
by Pastor Greg Hoffmann
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” –Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)
I once had a sign on the bulletin board in my office that pictured a runner straining for the finish line and underneath were the words “Finish Well!” I had placed it there as a reminder to continue strong in ministry to the last day. But now, with the myriad of adjustments in semi-retirement, what I saw before as a finish line (ending full-time ministry) was really just a lap mark. The true finish line is yet in the future.
I think of this as I have been recalling the numerous people involved in PLC’s ministry over the years. Many of them remain faith-filled followers of Jesus and committed participants in their local church (whether at PLC or elsewhere). There are some who in the past were fully involved in ministry; some of them very strong leaders at PLC, yet, for one reason or another, they have abandoned their Christian faith and involvement in the Lord’s Church for something else. This causes me great sadness.
I’ve never heard anyone intentionally say, “I am going to finish my life poorly.” And few are those who plan to give up on the Church and the Christian faith, but it happens:
When a family crisis arises,
When the children graduate from high school, freeing up time for other activities,
When we experience a life transition such as retirement or a move,
When someone offends us and we choose to harbor a grudge rather than lovingly work it out and forgive.
Any of these situations and countless others can be “reason enough” to gradually, almost imperceptibly, drift away from our relationship with Jesus and His Church; until one day we look around and notice how far we have strayed from the Lord.
So how can we as Christ-followers finish well in a world of so many distractions?
The book of Hebrews was written to Jewish Christians in the first century who were experiencing severe persecution for their faith; many of them losing possessions and homes for their faith, some losing their lives. Some were tempted to give up, but the writer to the Hebrews sought to encourage them.
There are four parts from this passage that can help us finish well.
Consider – the Greek word means to observe fully, to discover to perceive. It has to do with fixing our minds on something outside of ourselves—on the health of the Church.
Stir up one another – it literally means to “incite”—not a riot, but love and good deeds. How can we as believers discover new ways to help one another grow in our capacity to love and do good to other people, even our enemies?
Not neglecting – (Greek: abandon or desert) to meet together—gathering with other believers is vitally important if we are to finish well.
Encourage – (Greek: to call near, invite, comfort) one another—this is what happens when we gather for worship; we encourage one another. Why does the writer say, “…and all the more as you see the Day drawing near?” Because the closer the Day of Jesus’ return, the more encouragement we will need.
This life confronts us with many challenging transitions and crises. These can cause us to finish the Christian life poorly or they can be an opportunity to lean into our Savior and intentionally seek out the fellowship of His people. No matter what we may face, by God’s grace let’s stay in the race and finish well!
“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” –Colossians 2:6-7
Lord, You know how prone we are to wander and stray from You. Guard and protect us from those temptations that would draw us from Your side. Keep us near You and empower us by Your Holy Spirit to walk with You until that day when You call us home with You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.