A friend wrote a song about this and just posted it recently
which go me a thinkin’. 2 Timothy 4:7 talks about a strong finish:
I have fought the good fight, I
have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
This is often used as one of those Christians “clichés”
because it is often given to us when we need encouragement. But I look at this
and think we need to fight the fight, run the race and FINISH!! When you look
at 2 Timothy 4, Paul is giving his farewell remarks to Timothy and basically
saying goodbye.
The metaphors are not telling us to buck up and get going
but rather to GO and DO!! And DO with such passion that you are spent at the
end. If you race or fight for it all, you leave nothing on the track or ring.
So this is more encouragement for us to go all in and do all we can for the
kingdom.
I honestly think that is the key here so that we are not
lounging around and feeling sorry, but rather doing what we can to get things
done. Our churches today spend more time talking about missions trying to
encourage others, than doing. We all have this burning desire to help others
and Paul is simply stating we need to just DO what is required.
So talk to that friend you are questioning about
faith. Go help that old neighbor fix their yard. Do extra at the office, not
for attention but because it needs to be done. Live your live like Jesus and
Paul did, for others. Look outward and pray for the opportunities and the
gumption to respond.