Finishing Well
I just turned 44 years old in November and I assume I am in mid-life. Of course, that is not a given. My brother, Dale, thought he was in mid-life at 44, but the Lord had other plans for him. He entered into the presence of Christ in March of this year at the age of 47. He suffered the last two years and four months with very aggressive brain tumors. During that time God demonstrated in Dale’s life His power to refine a man.
The obvious diminishing of Dale’s pride and the increase in his Christlike love were a powerful testimony to everyone who knew him. It’s not that he was more proud or less loving than anyone else, but the change was remarkable because it made him different from most people. In a few short years God prepared Dale to finish well.
In his letter he went on to write, “I realized there are three things the Lord will say someday that cannot be surpassed by anything else. 1. ‘Well done.’ 2. ‘Enter My rest.’ 3. ‘Great is your reward.’ It almost makes me cry every time I say these out loud. I’ve committed myself to lay up treasure in heaven because there is no other thing of value worth spending our days in this life.”
On the recommendation of several others, I read a book titled “Connecting” by Stanley & Clinton. It’s a very good book on the subject of mentoring, and the final chapter on “Finishing Well” contains the following list.
Characteristics of Those Who Finish Well
1. They had perspective which enabled them to focus.
2. They enjoyed intimacy with Christ and experienced repeated times of inner renewal.
3. They were disciplined in important areas of life.
4. They maintained a positive learning attitude all their lives.
5. They had a network of meaningful relationships and several important mentors during their lifetime.
I observed all of these characteristics in my brother. Dale was an example to me of what it looks like to finish well. It inspires me to do likewise and I hope this little article will do the same for you. If you are not sure where to start, I suggest you begin with #5 and get into a meaningful relationship with a spiritually mature brother or sister.
Dale and Kim
The obvious diminishing of Dale’s pride and the increase in his Christlike love were a powerful testimony to everyone who knew him. It’s not that he was more proud or less loving than anyone else, but the change was remarkable because it made him different from most people. In a few short years God prepared Dale to finish well.
In his letter he went on to write, “I realized there are three things the Lord will say someday that cannot be surpassed by anything else. 1. ‘Well done.’ 2. ‘Enter My rest.’ 3. ‘Great is your reward.’ It almost makes me cry every time I say these out loud. I’ve committed myself to lay up treasure in heaven because there is no other thing of value worth spending our days in this life.”
On the recommendation of several others, I read a book titled “Connecting” by Stanley & Clinton. It’s a very good book on the subject of mentoring, and the final chapter on “Finishing Well” contains the following list.
Characteristics of Those Who Finish Well
1. They had perspective which enabled them to focus.
2. They enjoyed intimacy with Christ and experienced repeated times of inner renewal.
3. They were disciplined in important areas of life.
4. They maintained a positive learning attitude all their lives.
5. They had a network of meaningful relationships and several important mentors during their lifetime.
I observed all of these characteristics in my brother. Dale was an example to me of what it looks like to finish well. It inspires me to do likewise and I hope this little article will do the same for you. If you are not sure where to start, I suggest you begin with #5 and get into a meaningful relationship with a spiritually mature brother or sister.
posted by Mark at 11:15 PM
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