“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.” – 2 Timothy 4:7-8
Can you confidently say this about yourself? As Paul neared the end of his life, this was his self-assessment. As a young man, he’d been a terrible enemy of Christ and His church. However, after he met Jesus, Paul had “fought the good fight” ever since. He devoted his life to serving and glorifying Jesus. To making disciples of Jesus. To planting churches for Jesus. He’d held tightly to his faith despite abuse, persecution, and multiple years spent in jail.
Have you fought the good fight? Your ministry is probably meant to look very different from Paul’s. Nonetheless, you’re definitely called to serve and glorify Jesus, making disciples. Day in and day out. Year after year. In good times and in bad times. Have you invested your time, energy, and resources to that service? To helping others know Jesus and obey Him? If not, it isn’t too late! Jesus always meets us where we are and happily guides us into deeper faith and obedience. If you aren’t currently fighting the good fight for Jesus, get started today!
Have you kept the faith, even in the face of opposition? You probably won’t endure what Paul did, but you’ll definitely face pressure to keep quiet about Jesus or to compromise His commands to make others happy. Don’t do it! Don’t trade the eternal glory of the faith for temporary peace and quiet in your life. If you already have, it isn’t too late to ask Christ’s forgiveness and move forward in true faith. If you aren’t currently keeping the faith, start today!
God will abundantly bless, honor, and reward everyone who reaches the end of their life and can say what Paul said. The good news of the gospel is that regardless of your past or present, you can commit right now to live like this going forward. Fight the good fight. Run the race Jesus has prepared for you. Keep the faith. #FollowJesus