Finishing Well

Matthew 25:23

His master said to him, "Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master."

The start of the New Year is often kicked off with many articles and speeches about new beginnings, new year’s resolutions and plans to start anew.  What if we focused on the finish instead of the start?  After all, when life comes to the finish line, who does not want to hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” 

We work our entire lives for rewards here on earth, yet ultimately our greatest rewards will come in the eternal place that has been prepared for us by Our Savior King. Almighty God reserves special reward and special honor for that day when "each man's work will become evident" and "he shall receive a reward." 1Cor 3:13-14

These rewards are referred to as "crowns" that are being set aside for God's servants. The Bible speaks of at least five crowns:

• The imperishable crown awarded to those believers who consistently bring the flesh under the Holy Spirit's control. (1 Cor 9:25) 
• The crown of exultation awarded to those servants who are faithful to declare the gospel. (Phil 4:1,1 Thess 2:19-20)  
• The crown of righteousness awarded to those who live each day with eternity's values in view. (2Tim 4:7-8)
• The crown of life awarded to those who endure trials, loving the Savior all the way. (James 1:12)
• The crown of glory awarded to those who faithfully shepherd the flock. (1 Peter 5:1-4)   

There is no reward on earth that can compare to earning crowns from Almighty God that we can lay at the feet of Jesus when we enter our eternal homes.  There is no joy on earth that can compare to the joy of being in heaven with Our Lord.

Let us set our hearts on finishing well.  Let us place our earthly desires for rewards in proper relationship with our desires to have Almighty God recognize us for the evidence or our works as we put His kingdom first in all matters of the heart.  Let us make our New Year's plans around joining the joy of Our Master. 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for setting aside special rewards for us in Your kingdom.  We thank you, Jesus, for making it possible for us to stand before the Father to receive our rewards.  Precious Savior, we long for the time when we will be able to place our crowns at Your feet and join You in Your joy.  As we move into our new year, may Your grace, O Lord, provide the wisdom and strength that we need to seek Your kingdom first in all things that concern us in this world. We pray that the Holy Spirit will inspire us to set our minds on finishing well.  We ask all these things in the name of Our Blessed Hope and Assurance, Jesus Christ.