“For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

2 Timothy 4:6-7
Most people would consider you morbid if you constantly thought about death. But the soldier does not have the luxury of avoiding such thoughts. He goes overseas with the knowledge that he may not return. He even receives extra pay for just that possibility!
As I readied myself for Afghanistan, I did my own version of the children’s book Goodnight, Moon— “Goodbye, home of my birth. Goodbye, friends of my youth. Goodbye, favorite scenic view. Goodbye, best friend-wife and baby boy I may never see grow up.” I had to say “goodbye” to life and love so that I would be ready to say “hello” should death be what lie ahead.
Truthfully, this is not a morbid exercise for anyone— for the soldier, the at-home mom, the college student, or the businessperson alike. Paul believed that “to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). Keeping death in view enabled him to more faithfully live for Christ, by His grace. Death—which will come eventually—deserves your attention because it highlights your need for Christ both now and forevermore.



Scripture Focus

2 Timothy 4:1-8

Insight

Think of the finish line, brothers and sisters, that you may truly run this race for Christ!

Bible In A Year

  • 1 Chronicles 16-17
  • Psalm 1
  • Revelation 20-22

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