Beginning and ending well

Whether it is a sprint or a marathon, it is how a person finishes that determines the winner. In my track and field experience, if you started strong with a huge lead it could almost guarantee you the win, but not always.

In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 the apostle Paul encourages the disciples with this teaching, ”Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.”

Out of 49 leaders in the Bible, only 13 finished well! Unfortunately the first King of Israel, King Saul, was one who did not finish well. Saul did start well with humility. When Samuel the prophet informs Saul of the Lord’s decision to select him as the King of Israel, Saul states basically, why me? He says ”I am the least of the tribes and the least in my family.”

As Saul’s journey progresses, his pride and rebellious heart come out and he and his heirs are disqualified from continuing to be the King. The Apostle Paul told the disciples in Corinth that discipline in all areas, especially spiritual, are required to finish well. We are a spirit that has a soul that lives in a body.

We were created to exercise authority through our spirits over our soul (mind, will and emotions) and our body. When we let our souls and bodies lead, we will never finish well. King Saul was anointed and empowered to exercise authority through his spirit but chose weakness instead of power.

As new Testament believers we have been given the opportunity to receive the same anointing for power as well. The Apostle Paul encourages the disciples in Ephesus with this teaching in Ephesisans 6:10 “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. To start and finish well we must choose the power of the Spirit and not rely upon human strength or will power! Join me in saying.”

Lord I choose You and Your power to start and finish this race well! I want to win this race! In the mighty Name of Jesus! Amen!”