By David Shannon
All year long we’ve been looking at the qualities that make good leaders in Acts 20. This time we look at one that is required to win the crown.
Leaders move people from point A to point B. Leaders help people grow and mature. All year we have considered what is required of the leader if he is going to be able to help people mature in their relationship with Christ. Now we have come to the last issue of the year. I hope and pray that you have grown as a leader. I also pray you will finish faithfully. Let’s consider the importance of finishing.
Finish. Life is not a sprint; it is not even a marathon. It is a lifelong run as described by the elderly apostle John, “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10b). Leaders must set the pace of running to the end. No matter the pain or the walls you have to run through, finish. Will you endure?
Dean Karnazes is an ultra endurance runner. Most have a hard time running a 10 K race while others work up to a half or full marathon. But Dean is extreme. He has ran without stopping 350 miles in less than 81 hours. He ran 24 hours straight on a treadmill logging 148 miles. He ran a 199 mile relay race by himself eleven times. He swam across the San Francisco Bay. He ran 50 marathons in 50 consecutive days, and last year he ran from coast to coast across the US in only 75 days. Although most can’t imagine such endurance in physical running, we must have this kind of endurance in our spiritual lives. If a leader is going to do the most good for the most people, he must endure through trials, disappointments, attacks, temptations, and pressure until the very end.
Paul pleaded with the elders from Ephesus to not give up, but to finish. He used his own life, faith, and determination as an example for them when he said, “But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20:24).
Finishers Serve the Lord at Any Cost
“But none of these things move me” is how Paul leads to the stated goal of finishing his race and ministry in verse 24. What are the “things” to which he refers? Verse 19 speaks of tears and trials. How often have trials been so tough you cried? Did it move you from the Lord? Did it hinder your leadership? Verse 22 mentions his trip to Jerusalem. The Spirit tells him chains and tribulations await him there, yet he isn’t moved from the Lord. Would your life and leadership remain focused on finishing with joy if this awaited you? In Acts 21:13 he stated he was ready to die for the Lord, not give up.
There is a great peace and joy that enters a man’s heart when he can honestly say, “I will serve the Lord at any cost.” Most people have a price. They will serve until a certain loss, trial, abundance, or pressure, and then they will cave. Do you have a price?
Finishers Value Christ as Preeminent
“Nor do I count my life dear to myself” is the second description of how Paul moved toward his goal of running well, finishing, and rejoicing. Consider this statement, “My life proves that Christ is more important than any person or activity or thing.” Is that true for you? Finishers can’t take their eyes off Jesus. He is preeminent. They aren’t “acting” like Christians, they are Christians. They aren’t considering what would be perceived as what a Christian would do, they simply do what Christ would do no matter who is watching. They would serve the Lord just as diligently with no one around. Christ reigns in a finisher’s life!
“Finish”— As Simple as This Sounds, It Isn’t.
According to Professor Howard Hendricks of Dallas Theological Seminary, there are 100 or so leaders in the Bible, two-thirds of whom did not finish well. Solomon was a strong leader who began his reign by asking God to give him an understanding heart to judge the people. God was so impressed with his selfless request that he also gave him a long life, the life of his enemies, and riches (1 Kings 3). As Solomon grew older he heavily taxed the people, which ultimately became a contributing factor in the divided kingdom. The fatal dagger to the kingdom is recorded in 1 Kings 11 as Solomon gave his heart to women who God had prohibited the Israelites from marrying. He disobeyed God, he married idolatrous women, and his heart was turned away from God as he built high places for their gods. This was the reason God tore the kingdom out of his son’s reign (1 Kings 11:12). One can’t help but notice that in the great hall of the faithful David is listed, but his son Solomon isn’t. Did he ever repent? We never read of it. A king began well, built one of the greatest kingdoms, yet couldn’t finish well. Again, if you think finishing well is easy, you are a sitting duck for disaster. Don’t become complacent—it seems many, if not most, do. As we turn the last page on this calendar year, set your sites on the finish line to see Jesus, no matter what the cost. Finish!
