Be a Finisher

1 Corinthians 15: 53-58

For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So, when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. 

More than 20 years ago I was privileged to serve a small congregation in rural West Virginia. It was there that I had the honor of meeting Deacon Young. He was a 95-year-old man, who bore a look of distinction, and exuded a debonair disposition. He was a man well-traveled, a man of wide reading and a prosperous man. It was always shocking to me how he so appreciated my embryonic efforts at preaching and pastoring. Nonetheless, he did. He never missed a Sunday. He was in his seat during every season, no matter the weather variants. I know he had medical issues, because I accompanied him to a few doctor visits, but never did his conditions prevent his attendance. He stands in my life as the personification of steadfastness. He indeed is a blessed memory. 

It has been said that the steadfast life averages well. Although it may not be a life exceptionally clever or talented, but instead it may be more in line with being thorough and hard-working. It will not attract as festive fireworks do, but it will provide constant comfort. No quick-twitch muscle will get their workout, but you will reach the marathon goal. 

The steadfast life has no give-up in it. It reaches for the highest of the mountains, and advances through every experience and barrier. Steadfastness is that characteristic of the Christian Life that serves as evidence that the Holy Spirit abides. Prayer: Eternal God our Father, Lord of Life, we are grateful that you are the author and the finisher of our faith. As you set your face steadfastly towards Jerusalem, strengthen us that we may not give up when we face hard times. Help us to know that the Christian life is a marathon that calls for endurance, not a sprint. Let our place in church not be solidified by our name on the role alone, but may it be in line with imprint of the Holy Spirit and steadfastness. Make us finishers through and because of Christ Jesus our Saviour. Amen. 

Pastor Leroy Hines Anthony