Finishing Well

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us (Hebrews 12:1).

The school of life is always in session. Those who coast through life’s race on their present level of personal development will find themselves incredibly behind before the finish line is crossed.

So how can life be finished well?

Live life out loud

In this contest victory is defined more by completing the course than by comparing performance with fellow runners. The challenge is to finish life’s race with our faith intact.

Others observe what we do more closely than they listen to what we say. Actions rather than words are where the carbon rubber outsole hits the road as this race progresses.

Keep pace with the One who gave you life. Have the personal integrity to pursue the causes and commitments that grow out of that relationship regardless of what others think.

Don’t allow the popularity polls of the masses to determine the principles which guide your life. They are a fickle crowd who change directions on a whim. Stay on course. Let your living speak more clearly than words about whom and whose you are.

Travel light

Every excess weight that would hinder efforts to run life’s race must be cast aside. Too many of us are burdened with surplus baggage that limits progress.

Worry never changes our circumstance but leaves us weary and worn. Anger does not provide a positive solution and we can let go of its considerable burden. Unforgiveness never changes the heart of the person who has wronged us and leaves us bitter rather than better. The wrong we do is never an effective means of gaining the good which we desire.

Wisdom dictates that we release these negative attitudes and actions. In doing so we conserve personal resources for the race ahead.

We can stumble repeatedly over the injustices perpetrated on us in the past (and those we perpetrate on others). Or we can rise to our feet, dust the negativity from our person, and refuse to waste precious energy backtracking in a manner that only leaves us further from our goal.

The better option is to set our sights on a more desirable future, and commit our energy to the more productive path of moving forward.

Keep the goal in sight

Runners don’t mosey or meander through the course set before them. They invest the best of mind and body in the goal of finishing well.

The course of our existence is filled with distractions. Sometimes we trade what is genuine for a cheap imitation. Too many of us become sidetracked by shortcuts that don’t lead to real happiness at all.

Many are too casual about the way they drift through life. If we aren’t careful we can spend our days reacting to people and circumstances rather than living with the finish line in view.

The limited time we are given can be spent going through the motions but accomplishing little. Some hit the wall and decide that life is not worth the effort. The temptation to retire in place is real. The real passion for living departed long ago.

Life is a marathon worthy of our passionate participation. Running this race requires a gritty endurance that that refuses to give in or give up until the goal is reached.

All of life, from the first breath we breathe to the last, is a gift from the One who made us. What we do with that priceless gift matters greatly to Him and ought to matter to us.