Last week I watched my favorite NFL team lose a game in the closing seconds by a single point. Sports analysts described the loss as the worst in team history due to a series of bizarre blunders. The most egregious of them took place when one of the players broke through the defense for a 72-yard run to score a touchdown—except it didn’t count. Inexplicably, he let go of the ball about two inches from the goal line. It tumbled through the end zone and out the back, negating any points and awarding the ball to the other team.
Astonishingly, it happens every year, and after each instance coaches show the film of the lapse in judgment to their players and preach the importance of not celebrating too early. One coach insists, “Letters and logos. You never, never, never, never – under any circumstances – let go of the ball until you see the letters and logos in the end zone!”
To an infinitely greater degree, the Bible points to the importance of Christians being finishers. The phrase “perseverance of the saints” is frequently used to communicate that concept, but it may be misunderstood to simply mean that Christians must “put up with” or “tolerate” trials. On the contrary, believers must push forward to the end. In a parable on the topic, Jesus said the following:
Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions. (Mt. 24:45–47)
The eternal reward that Christ promises is for the believer that will be found doing the Lord’s work when He returns. The “faithful and wise servant” is the one who does not quit short of the goal line. It is one that makes the best use of the time he’s given—all of it. James 4:14 compares our life to “a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” What perspective! Why would Christians want to waste the brief time they get by finding ways to expend the least effort possible? Martin Luther expressed it well when he said, “Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree today.”
Nowhere in the Bible will you find a calling to coast, even when the goal line is in view. This can happen at any age, but it may be a greater temptation for Christians in their twilight years. Don’t be like the football player that, after running his absolute hardest, powered down just as he got within reaching distance of the reward because he was eager to celebrate. To the degree it’s within your power, choose not to disengage early.
The apostle Paul is often quoted in Christian funerals when he writes about his “time of departure.” He wrote,
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing. (2 Tim. 4:7–8)
Paul was aware that his death was imminent. The “crown of righteousness” that he was eager to receive was based, not only on his participation in “the good fight,” but in finishing the race and keeping the faith. All believers must be fighters, finishers and keepers. Do not coast by saying, “when I get older,” or “after my career” or even “I already did it.” “Choose this day whom you will serve” applies to every day. Don’t coast. Don’t power down. Don’t celebrate early. See your race through to the end—until letters and logos are in view.
Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will dress himself for service and have them recline at table, and he will come and serve them. (Lk. 12:37)