today's devotional
Words from a faithful man of God. Near the end of life - when many might be cynical and negative - he reflects confidence and completion:
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future 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)
The good fight was fought, the course was finished, the faith had been kept. As with anyone, the apostle Paul likely had some regrets concerning his life, but there are none concerning key priorities. Concerning THE faith (singular), he had faithfully battled and persevered. As a result of faithful completion, his confidence for the future was resolute. A "crown of righteousness" was his hope; to be awarded by none other than King Jesus at His coming. He did not anticipate a personal reward immediately following death, but a "group event" - with all faithful followers - at the time of Christ's coming (see Hebrews 11.39-40). The faithful apostle Paul, still unconscious in the grave for approximately two thousand years, has yet to realize his hope. Only at the time when the family of God is complete - at the return of Christ - will he celebrate with all believers the realization of this great hope.
The legacy of this faithful man of God speaks to us today. How goes the fight for truth? How well are we walking the course? How faithfully are we keeping the faith? Are we progressing towards a sense of completion that will be evident at the end of our life? Is faithful living today in harmony with future hope?
Life is progressing far more quickly than I ever imagined as a youth. Years and decades fly by at break-neck speed, and the end of this mortal life is more visible than its beginning. Throughout the course of life, time appears to diminish from a flood to a trickle, and the value of each drop of time becomes more apparent. There is wisdom in weighing life priorities and time investments. The things of true value are the good fight, the course, and the faith. May we each wisely invest in these great priorities today, and every day.
©Steve Taylor, 2013
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future 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)
The good fight was fought, the course was finished, the faith had been kept. As with anyone, the apostle Paul likely had some regrets concerning his life, but there are none concerning key priorities. Concerning THE faith (singular), he had faithfully battled and persevered. As a result of faithful completion, his confidence for the future was resolute. A "crown of righteousness" was his hope; to be awarded by none other than King Jesus at His coming. He did not anticipate a personal reward immediately following death, but a "group event" - with all faithful followers - at the time of Christ's coming (see Hebrews 11.39-40). The faithful apostle Paul, still unconscious in the grave for approximately two thousand years, has yet to realize his hope. Only at the time when the family of God is complete - at the return of Christ - will he celebrate with all believers the realization of this great hope.
The legacy of this faithful man of God speaks to us today. How goes the fight for truth? How well are we walking the course? How faithfully are we keeping the faith? Are we progressing towards a sense of completion that will be evident at the end of our life? Is faithful living today in harmony with future hope?
Life is progressing far more quickly than I ever imagined as a youth. Years and decades fly by at break-neck speed, and the end of this mortal life is more visible than its beginning. Throughout the course of life, time appears to diminish from a flood to a trickle, and the value of each drop of time becomes more apparent. There is wisdom in weighing life priorities and time investments. The things of true value are the good fight, the course, and the faith. May we each wisely invest in these great priorities today, and every day.
©Steve Taylor, 2013
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
posted by steve @ 8:53 AM
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