Sermonette: April 24, 2023

This is my 99th sermonette, but to be perfectly honest, I write this with the most trepidation of any so far. I’ve resisted writing it for quite a while, and I’ve run out of reasons not to write it. So, please know that the following is written with nothing but respect for my fellow “seasoned” believers.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

2nd Timothy 4:7

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.”

1st Corinthians 9:24

Paul uses running metaphors frequently throughout his writings. By my count, he uses running images a total of nine times. The discipline, the endurance, the prize at the end–all of it echoes the Christian faith from Paul’s perspective. So, knowing that, can I draw out another lesson from running? How you end a race matters most.

As an old distance runner, I hate this truth. When I run a 5k (3.1 miles) I can run three miles like my feet have wings, but will often burn out before the sprint through the final tenth of a mile. My weak finish will taint the whole race. How is that fair?!?! A lax start can be forgiven with a solid finish. A gentle relaxing off the throttle at a mid-point won’t even be noticed if you give it everything to cross the line. Some people remember how you started, other runners might notice how you sustained through the race, but everyone will remember how you finished. As much as I hate it, how we finish a race matters most. Paul seems to be aware of this truth. Notice how the two above passages talk about the end of the race. He knows that how a runner finishes a race is disproportionately important. Just as it is with Christians.

In the church, there is an unspoken “spiritual retirement” rule. When one reaches a certain age, or participates in church roles for enough years, we feel as though we can step aside and become passive. We’ve earned it, right? Time to clock out. Or, are we finishing a well-run race by walking across the line? Are we grabbing a bottle of water, toweling off the sweat, before we finish and while the clock is still running? Are we getting a well-deserved rest, or are we squandering a strong lead? Ruining a well-run race with a poor finish.

Once again, this is difficult to write and I mean it with all humility because I am “only” 37 years old. Talking about finishing well when you’re 13 years into ministry and 25 years into walking with Jesus is a whole lot easier than when your 53 years into ministry and 75 years into walking with Jesus. I also appreciate how hard it is to run a good starting lap, then endure through six laps, only to try and sprint for the final 65 seconds of a 12-minute race. But, you know what helped? My teammates, coach, parents, even other runners encouraging me. By myself, I’d have walked across more finish lines; but with cheering, I can say I’ve never walked across the line.

So if this is you, hear this: If you are at a point in your life when the finish line feels like it’s coming into view, don’t slow down! Double down. You are at your wisest. You have the most experience you’ll ever have. Don’t squander it–use it. Teach. Preach. Share. Let the young use their muscles. You use your wisdom. Because the church needs it. My kids need it. I need you sharing your wisdom. Share, exhort, and challenge until they listen or foolishly tell you to shut your mouth. Make the final leg of your race your best. Don’t come into glory rested and already toweled off; enter the pearly gates sweaty, exhausted and to the cheers of the saints.