Before You Cross the Finish Line

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.   II Timothy 4:7 NIV

The first time I heard this oft-told story, it was rendered by Wayne Grubbs, pastor at Lakeview Baptist Church in Oxford, Alabama.  The story goes something like this: Near the end of the sermon about heaven, the pastor said to the congregation, “How many of you want to go heaven?”  Everyone in the church raised their hand except for one little boy on the front row.  The pastor turned toward the boy and asked,, “Son, don’t you want to go to heaven?” And the little boy replied, “Yes sir! When I die.  But I thought you were getting’ up a trip right now.”

Maybe some of us feel like we are getting ready for this trip in the near future, but most of us are probably under the illusion that the end is a long ways away.  No matter our age, we need to be ready to cross the finish line by keeping the faith.

What are the things you want to accomplish before crossing the finish line?  Earlier this month, I celebrated my 51^st birthday.  On my birthday, January 13, I shared a eulogy (somewhere close to my 750^th) for one of our beloved senior saints who went home to be with the Lord.  To my knowledge, this is the first time I have conducted a funeral on my birthday.  The strange juxtaposition of these two events, birthday and funeral, inspired me to think a little more seriously about my own “kingdom bucket list.”  What are the things God wants to do through my life between now and the time I cross the finish line.

Here are things I think we all need to do before we depart this world for our heavenly home:

• Go where you need to go: Go on that mission trip. Take that vacation. Visit that long-time friend.
• Do what needs to be done: Get acquainted with your neighbor.  Teach that Sunday School class. Share your faith with that colleague or classmate.
• Say what needs to be said: Tell your family members that you love them. Share that story with your children or your grandchildren.  Forgive the one who has offended you.
• Give what needs to be given: Honor the Lord with all of your resources and give your firstfruits to the work of the kingdom.  Pass along that family heirloom to the next generation.  Invest in the future by leaving a legacy gift to your church or an important ministry project.
• Plan what needs to be planned: Develop your exit strategy. Have your paperwork (advanced directive, will, life insurance) in good order.  Leave behind your memorial wishes (Note: One good way to do this is to complete a “Holder File” and store it securely in the pastor’s office at FBCP.) 

James reminds us that life is “a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away” (4:14 NKJV).  Since life is unpredictable and life on this earth will end for every one of us one day, I am convinced that the best way to prepare for death is to live life to the maximum. For me, that means, in addition to trusting Christ as my Savior, I am privileged to follow Christ every step of the journey…. serving, growing, and doing what needs to be done, until I cross the finish line.

This Sunday we continue our series, Living by the Book, as we deal with “The Human Dilemma.”  To prepare for Sunday, I encourage you to read Genesis 2:5-7, 18-22 and Ephesians 2:8-10.

I am looking forward to seeing you in worship and Bible study this Sunday morning as we learn to “Be doers of the word and not hearers only.” (James 1:22 KJV)

My Wife Is Undergoing an Attitude Adjustment

My wife is undergoing an attitude adjustment. Do I have your undivided attention, now?  Amanda is undergoing an attitude adjustment, even though I don’t think she needs one. J

Of course life has been a little different around our house for the past few weeks.  Amanda had surgery one month ago this week.  During the recovery process, she has had to limit her physical activities, and spend a little more time reading and a little less time playing tennis.  However, she is doing great and she has consistently had a positive attitude. I admire her good attitude because when I am sick or my activities are limited, my attitude tends to degenerate. 

But her attitude adjustment has nothing to do with surgery and, hopefully, nothing to do with the challenges of living with me. Amanda has freely chosen to engage in this gradual attitudinal transformation by participating in one of our Sunday Night Discipleship Opportunities.  During January through April, we are offering three Sunday evening discipleship options that will equip us to grow in our faith, and “live by the book.”

Amanda and several others are involved in a course led by Karen Shell entitled, “Lord, Change My Attitude (Before It’s Too Late)” based on a book by James McDonald.

Dr. Conlee Pickens, one of our members who is a retired pediatrician, is leading a “Survey of the Old Testament” designed  to introduce you to the books, characters, and themes of the Hebrew Bible.

Don Minton is facilitating “Experiencing God,” an in-depth discipleship journey aimed to enrich your personal walk with the Lord.

These groups meet on our First Baptist campus at 5 p.m. on Sunday afternoons.  The courses began last Sunday, but it’s not too late to join.  Contact Don Minton at 433-5631 or dminton@fbcp.org to register.

A word about this Sunday: Last week in our series, Living by the Book, we focused on God the Father.  This week we are focusing on God the Son.  In preparation for Sunday’s sermon and Bible study, I encourage you to read Isaiah 53 and John 14:4-11.

I am looking forward to Amanda’s ongoing attitude adjustment…and mine…and yours…..and I am looking forward to seeing you in worship and Bible study this Sunday morning as we learn to “Be doers of the word and not hearers only.” (James 1:22 KJV)