Courageous LeadersSample

FINISHING WELL

The second epistle to Timothy was perhaps the last letter that Paul wrote in which he writes a valedictory address of sorts. He scans through all the events of his life and then he boldly says that he has finished his race well. 

Paul was a respected Pharisee with a perfect lineage, had the best of education under Gamaliel and a Roman citizenship that he had earned. He took pride in persecuting the Christians thinking that it was his divine responsibility to do so. But an encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus changed everything. The persecutor became the persecuted. For preaching Christ he was imprisoned, flogged, lashed, beaten with rods, stoned, shipwrecked and faced several dangers and perils that he records in 2Cor.11:23-28. And yet he says, “If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness” (2Cor.11:30). The reason is that when he was apparently weak and humanly deficient that Christ was at work through him. He did not rely on his own wisdom and acumen but on God’s providence.

I have seen many leaders who started off very well but sadly their life story is on a downward spiral. We know of many politicians who began with great zeal and fervour to serve the people and weed out corruption, but in the end find themselves facing cases of corruption themselves. People who give speeches of selfless service gradually become self-seeking and self-centred. Paul was given a vision to be the apostle to the Gentiles. He never lost focus of this vision in spite of several hurdles and difficulties. It is therefore that he could finish well and claim the “crown of righteousness” that the Lord will award to all who diligently do His will. We will not be able to do His will on our own steam but only through the power of the Holy Spirit. Then we will be able to confidently say like Paul, “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.” (Phil.4:13). Let us submit to God so that He may use us as His instrument to carry out His will in the world.

Prayer

 We submit our will to You, use us as Your chosen vessels. Amen.