Introduction:
One of the best feelings in the world is that moment you crawl into bed after a long day of labor. To know that you worked your butt off all day and had nothing left to give. There is a satisfaction in doing a day well from start to finish. One of the worst feelings is when you procrastinated and now you know you will not be able to finish a project or job on time. That feeling can feel like it puts you in a bondage. As Paul is nearing the end of his life, he writes a letter to his ministry partner, Timothy. In this letter, he gives us a small description of the freedom he is feeling after “a long life’s work.”
2 Timothy 4:6-8
“For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. 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.”
Think about it:
Oh, how I long for the day to see Jesus face-to-face and hear him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Paul is on the brink of seeing Jesus and he knows he has “fought the good fight.” The battle for your faith is an everyday fight. Do you get excited when you think about the end or do you get anxious? Maybe you have forgotten that you are in a spiritual battle and thus are losing that battle to sin over and over. We know that our days are numbered, and many believers are “procrastinating” in their faith. From the example of Paul, it is evident that there is freedom in being able to look back and say “I have fought the good fight.” That fight is being fought right now.
Take away:
Live today in light of eternity.
Personal reflection:
How are you doing in your spiritual battle? What victories are you seeing in your life? What defeats are you seeing in your life?