Faithful and True

We have, earlier this week, turned the page on another month in the calendar. We are only 60 days away from the year, 2023.  Depending on your perspective, this year has flown by, or it has slowly crept along.  I know this. I find it difficult to comprehend that another year is just around the corner.

            I was born in 1959. I lived almost half of the 20th century.  I suppose it is possible that I could live for half of the 21st century, but I would have to beat several odds to do so.  I am not trying to be morbid.  It is simply that I would be 91 years-old were that to happen.  I’ve had one aunt on my mom’s side, and one uncle on my dad’s side to do that. 

            So, as I consider all of these thoughts, I return to this idea that I saw as the title of a book written by a gentleman who had just retired. “Finishing Well.”  The premise of the book was simple. This man had been a pastor for more than 40 years (I relate to that, having just passed my 40th anniversary as a pastor last month).  He was planning to serve as interim pastor, or supply preacher in the days to come, but he knew that other things would occupy his day to day living. 

            But throughout the book he returned to this idea. He wanted to finish well.  Again, that thought resonates with me.  I have lived for 63 years, have been a Christian for 54 years, was called to ministry 46  years ago, and have been a pastor for the last 40 years.  To this point I have sought to be faithful and true to the Lord. I have been far from perfect. But the Lord has been gracious, and I have been privileged to serve Him in many ways and many places.

            Still, I am discomfited by this thought. One foolish decision could wipe out 40 years of faithful service. I will continue to pray that the Lord will help me to finish well.  I pray the same for you.