CROSSING THE FINISHING LINE* – *Faithful to the End*
*By Dr. Stephen Akinmosa*
*Introduction: The Race That Matters Most*
Life is filled with pursuits. Some pursue career success, while others chase wealth, fame, influence, or pleasure. But the Bible speaks of a race of eternal consequence—the spiritual journey of faith. It’s not a hundred-metre dash but a lifelong marathon. It is the race of the believer’s life, and to finish it well is the most outstanding achievement.
Paul’s words ring with clarity and urgency:
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7
This article is a call and a compass—to all who desire to remain faithful to the end. We explore the tasks involved, the sacrifices required, the endurance demanded, the distractions to overcome, the discipline to maintain, and the reward that awaits.
1. The Task: Living the Call of Christ
From the moment we come to Christ, we are enrolled in the race of faith. It is not a passive stroll, but an intentional pursuit of God’s purposes.
“Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” — Hebrews 12:1b
Every believer is given a divine calling—not just pastors or missionaries. Whether you are a teacher, student, parent, or civil servant, you are called to glorify God with your life.
Jesus said:
“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” — Luke 9:23
The task of this journey includes:
Personal holiness: Walking in righteousness and integrity (1 Peter 1:15–16)
Love and compassion: Loving others sacrificially (John 13:34–35)
Evangelism and discipleship: Sharing the gospel and nurturing others in faith (Matthew 28:19–20)
Stewardship: Managing time, talents, and treasure for God’s glory (1 Corinthians 4:2)
To cross the finishing line, we must know our purpose and walk in it, step by step, day by day.
2. The Sacrifice: What It Costs to Follow Jesus
Christianity is not a comfortable cruise; it is a cruciform journey—shaped by the cross.
“I urge you, brothers and sisters… to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice…” — Romans 12:1
Sacrifice is at the heart of spiritual progress. Faithfulness costs time, effort, popularity, sometimes even relationships or comfort. Jesus Himself warned:
“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower… Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost?” — Luke 14:28
To follow Christ to the end, we must:
Sacrifice self-will for God’s will (Matthew 26:39)
Let go of earthly attachments (Philippians 3:7–8)
Embrace suffering for righteousness (1 Peter 4:12–14)
This doesn’t mean our lives are joyless—on the contrary. But joy is rooted in the eternal, not the temporal. Our model is Christ, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross (Hebrews 12:2).
3. The Endurance: Staying the Course in Stormy Seasons
In any marathon, pain and fatigue are inevitable. Likewise, in our spiritual race, we will face trials, discouragement, and spiritual warfare. Paul said:
“We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.” — Acts 14:22
Endurance is not passive; it is active faith in motion. It’s saying, “Even though He slay me, yet will I hope in Him” (Job 13:15). It’s choosing to trust when we don’t understand, to walk when we feel like collapsing.
The Bible is filled with heroes of endurance:
Joseph, betrayed and imprisoned but faithful (Genesis 39–41)
Daniel, faithful even when it meant lions’ den (Daniel 6)
The Apostles, beaten and jailed, yet rejoicing (Acts 5:41)
James writes:
“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life…” — James 1:12
Endurance is how we turn trials into testimonies, and resistance into reward.
4. The Distractions: Avoiding the Detours of the Flesh and the World
Satan doesn’t need to destroy you if he can distract you. Distractions dilute devotion. Jesus warned about the cares of this life choking the Word (Mark 4:19).
Some common spiritual distractions include:
Materialism: The desire for wealth over God (1 Timothy 6:10)
Comparison: Measuring your worth by others’ lives (Galatians 1:10)
Pleasure-seeking: Making comfort an idol (2 Timothy 3:4)
Unforgiveness and offence: Weighed down by bitterness (Hebrews 12:15)
Paul lamented that Demas deserted him “because he loved this present world” (2 Timothy 4:10). Like Lot’s wife, many turn back because their hearts remain in Sodom.
To finish strong, we must “fix our eyes on Jesus” (Hebrews 12:2). Distraction is defeated by focus—daily, disciplined, deliberate focus on Christ.
5. The Discipline: Training the Soul to Run Faithfully
Just as an athlete trains for months or years for a moment on the track, so must believers train their hearts for the long race.
“Train yourself to be godly.” — 1 Timothy 4:7
Discipline forms the foundation of spiritual strength. The Christian life without discipline is like a race without direction. Paul says:
“I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that… I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” — 1 Corinthians 9:27
Key spiritual disciplines include:
Prayer: The breath of our spiritual life (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
Scripture study: Our sword and sustenance (Psalm 119:105)
Fasting: Weakening the flesh to strengthen the spirit (Matthew 6:16–18)
Fellowship: Encouraging one another (Hebrews 10:24–25)
Discipline keeps us from drifting. It anchors us to truth and sharpens our sensitivity to the Spirit. God’s grace enables us, but our discipline positions us.
6. The Reward: Eternal Joy and the Commendation of Christ
We do not run aimlessly. There is a finish line. And beyond it is a reward far beyond anything this world offers.
Paul, as he neared the end, declared with hope:
“Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness… and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing.” — 2 Timothy 4:8
Jesus promised:
“To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with Me on My throne.” — Revelation 3:21
The rewards include:
The crown of life (James 1:12)
The crown of glory (1 Peter 5:4)
Eternal fellowship with God (Revelation 21:3–4)
The joy of hearing “Well done” (Matthew 25:21)
We don’t run to earn salvation—that is by grace. But we run to please the One who saved us and to receive what He longs to give us.
7. Examples of Finishers in Scripture
The Bible is filled with stories of those who crossed the line:
Paul, the tireless apostle who suffered much yet never wavered (2 Corinthians 11:23–28)
Stephen, who saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God as he was martyred (Acts 7:55–60)
Anna, the elderly prophetess who served day and night in the temple (Luke 2:36–38)
Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith, who endured the cross for our salvation (Hebrews 12:2)
Their lives inspire us to keep going. Their reward awaits us too, if we hold fast.
8. Final Charge: Keep Running—You’re Not Alone
Dear reader, you may feel tired, discouraged, or unseen. But remember, you are not alone. There is a cloud of witnesses cheering you on (Hebrews 12:1). Jesus is with you, and the Spirit empowers you.
Your journey is sacred. Your faithfulness is not in vain. Every sacrifice, every tear, every hidden act of obedience is seen and will be rewarded.
So, keep running. Even if you stumble, rise again. Even if the way is narrow, press on. Even if others fall away, you stay the course. Because one day soon, you will hear the voice that matters most:
“Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Master.” — Matthew 25:23
And you will know—every step was worth it.
