Finishing a project well brings satisfaction. Finishing a life well brings great joy and reward.

The Bible supplies many examples of people who began well and fizzled out. Matthew 25:21 reveals the ultimate desire of every child of God; to hear “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” Remembering that aim clarifies our focus and revitalizes our motivation.

This verse is found in a parable about the kingdom of heaven often referred to as the parable of the talents. I suggest you read it for context (Matthew 25:14-30).

In this parable the master entrusts his possessions to three servants according to their ability to manage them. Each servant is rewarded on his faithfulness to initiate and produce a good return on the master’s resources. A long time passes (perhaps a life time) before the master calls the servants to give an account of how they invested their talents.

Each was rewarded for how well they had invested what they had received. It has been said that our talents and opportunities are God’s gifts to us, what we do with them is our gift to God. He doesn’t expect me to imitate someone else, He wants me to be the best me I can be! The servant who was faithful with two talents received the same commendation and reward the steward who began with twice as much received. Sharing in our Lord Jesus’ joy is a wonderful part of the prize.

Maybe you feel that your best years are spent, you have little to offer or that you are too pooped to try. Take heart from the following biblical examples of people who are best remembered by their later years.

• Enoch at 65 began to walk with God.
• Moses, 80 -120 obeyed God’s commission to deliver and lead Israel.
• Abraham at 75 obeyed God’s call to begin a new life which included fathering nations.
• Anna at 84 served God fasting, and praying in the temple. Luke 2:36-37
• Daniel near 83 was delivered from the lion’s den.

These faithful saints simply responded to the opportunities and challenges presented to them. They didn’t create them; they served their master, not themselves. Faithfully serving God where He puts me provides the best hope for a satisfying life, and a great finish. He equips me for His calling.

How will you know if you’ve finished well? What is your aim?  Let’s ask God to make the rest of our lives, beginning today, the best part of our lives.  He can and then we will hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”

Next week I want to introduce you to a modern saint who finished well and left her mark on me.

Blessings,

.

If you would like to receive these weekly blogs by email, simply email us.