Finishing Well
“But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified… I press on toward the goal
to win the prize” (1Cor 9:27, Php 3:14)
There is a sense of achievement when you get to the finish line in any race. In marathons, it is a rear kind of competition where finishing well in itself is great achievement, let alone being in a good position. You must follow the designated track, discipline your body, overcome rough patches and curves and hills to make it to the finish line; then celebrate. There are many lessons to learn from this experience:
Many Races: There are many races in life, or rather the episodes we go through can be viewed as races. Is it your academic degree, or your job contract, or educating a child through primary school, or investing in a business till break-even point, or building a house; these are races in which a multitude of people are involved and each finish is worth celebrating. Students are finishing different levels of national exams, and soon we will see the celebrations – but for only those who finish well. The Apostle Paul deemed his Christian journey and preaching career as a race, and so must we. At whatever point in the race, be encouraged to continue to the finish line, and joy truly awaits you.
Encouraging Others: I sometimes see some holding hands as they overcame the hills in the marathon, others run in groups, and at corner points there were guides to cheer runners and show them directions – all these are necessary for a successful race. Do not only enjoy the encouragement of others, but offer something as well. Your persistence motivates someone; a word of encouragement or a listening ear will lift the one who was considering giving up. Remember you are not alone in that race, and it will be a bigger and better party when many of you achieve. Those who put down their fellows in the race will never enjoy any celebration!
The Ultimate Finish: I love attending those parties – graduation, wedding anniversary, business success… name it. I cheer many to these interim finish points. In this homily, I am encouraging you to put continue in the discipline of achieving and growing. But the ultimate party, perhaps, is the Funeral. Our Creator, however, has assured us that even that is only an interim finish, though it is ultimate here on earth. Only a firm and disciplined faith will carry you across that bridge rejoicing. As Paul calls upon us to discipline in the race, let it strongly apply in your short-term life races on earth, but it should not end here. Celebrate your achievements with a party; but most importantly, run the race of faith with discipline, press on toward the ultimate goal, do this to get to the biggest and longest party for those who finish well.
God bless you.