There was a man who went to college back in the 1930s’, and he just lacked three credits to graduate, but an opportunity came up for him to make some good money, so he went to work. He never finished his degree until he turned 99 years old, when he decided to finish what he started. He took the one class he lacked and graduated with his degree.
There are many things in our lives that will cause us not to finish what we started. Sometimes, it might be a degree or might be something we wanted to do, such as going on a cruise or visiting someplace we thought would be fun.
These kinds of things are not that critical, but there are some things that we put off that can make a big difference, especially when it comes to spiritual matters. For example, we might have good intentions in telling someone about Jesus or just inviting them to come to services with us, but we may allow time to get away from us and never invite them. We never give them an opportunity to be exposed to the lifesaving message from God’s Word. Of course, there is no way of knowing if they did come, and you did your best to tell them about Jesus, that they would accept it, but if you never get around to talking to them about Jesus, then it is a sure thing that they are not going to get to know Jesus through you.
Sometimes, we have great plans to take on a project that might help God’s kingdom grow, but we might put it off because it’s easier to not try than to do. However, we need to realize that whatever we were going to do just might be something that causes others to have their faith rejuvenated, or it might plant seeds in the hearts of the lost. Again, there is no guarantee that the work you want to try will produce any results, but I can say for sure if you don’t ever start the project, then nothing will come from it.
I am reminded of what Paul wrote to the church at Corinth:
2 Corinthians 8:8 I speak not by commandment, but I am testing the sincerity of your love by the diligence of others. 9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich. 10 And in this I give advice: It is to your advantage not only to be doing what you began and were desiring to do a year ago; 11 but now you also must complete the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to desire it, so there also may be a completion out of what you have. 12 For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have. 13 For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened; 14 but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may supply their lack, that their abundance also may supply your lack-- that there may be equality.
He wants them to finish what they started with their giving. The whole point of this message is to remind us all that while it’s sad when we don’t always get to do what we would like to do in this life, let’s do our best to make sure we try and finish our spiritual goals, whether it be something personal or something that has to do with reaching the lost or strengthening our brothers and sisters in Christ. While we may not see any results from what we do, there is a chance that what we do will make a difference, but if we do nothing, then nothing will happen.
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