by Luke Dudenhofer
1. October 2008 18:16
We heard fireworks last night. Usually they’re done by this time of year, but last night was a special finish. We live in Bridgeport, within the shadow (and earshot) of US Cellular Field, home of the Chicago White Sox. Last night they won regular season game 163, a playoff for the division championship and an entrance into the post-season.
I hadn’t really followed the Sox this year. I heard they weren’t favored to win, their veteran stars kept getting injured, and the other team in town seemed to be stealing the media spotlight. But for the majority of the season, the Sox led their division. They persevered through challenging times and last night they finished well.
As a follower of Christ, I want to be able to say “I’m finishing well today.” Whether or not people give me high approval ratings, I need to end my day knowing I’ve done the right thing. When I’m feeling strong or limping home, I need to crash with a clear conscience before God. And whether I get the accolades or not, I need to be filling my days serving others, not myself. Amidst the recent uncertainty in the economy, the unstoppable destruction of a hurricane, it’s good to know God’s promises. Oh, He cares that I started – that I’ve come to Jesus by faith and found forgiveness and healing and life. But then it really matters to God how I finish. It matters that everyday demonstrates that simple trust in Him I had at the beginning. Trust enough to do what He says. Trust enough to deny myself so I can live for Him.
And just like the White Sox, finishing well with God promises the start of something greater - eternal life in His presence. God honors those who finish well. “So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.” Hebrews 10:35-36
