The good fight
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”2 Timothy 4:7
Reflection
Paul writes this letter imprisoned in Rome, knowing that execution is near. It is the last writing we know of his, and in it he looks back and sums up life in three short sentences: "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." Notice what he does not say. He does not speak of how many churches he founded, how many writings he left, how many journeys he made, though he had much to tell. At the final hour, what matters is faithfulness: fighting, finishing, keeping.
"I have fought a good fight." There are bad fights, such as those of vanities, of struggles for power, of endless arguments. And there is the good fight: for the faith, for truth, for holiness, for love, for the gospel. The Christian life is a fight, but not against people: it is against sin, discouragement, lies and the temptation to give up. It is not a quiet stroll. But it is "good" because it is worth it, because the aim is worthy and the Captain is faithful. Whoever fights this way never fights alone.
"I have finished my course." Paul compares life to a race, and what counts is reaching the end, not the speed. Many begin well, few finish. He does not say he ran without stumbling; his past included persecuting Christians. But he persevered. Each one is given their own lane, and no one needs to run another's race. "I have kept the faith": to keep as one guards a treasure entrusted, and also as one who remains faithful. Faith is a gift to receive and to preserve to the end.
Imagine yourself at the end of the road. What would you like to be able to say? Now ask yourself: what needs to happen today to get there? Choose an area in which you are tempted to give up (a marriage, a spiritual discipline, a calling, care of your children) and take a step of faithfulness. Finishing well is decided in the small ordinary days. And if you have stumbled, know that you can still finish well: Paul is the proof. It is also worth encouraging today someone older who is tired of running.
Prayer
Lord, give me perseverance to fight the good fight, finish my course and keep the faith. When weariness strikes and the wish to give up comes, sustain me. May I be faithful in the small ordinary days and arrive at the end hand in hand with You. Amen.
Put it into practice
Choose an area in which you are tempted to give up and take a concrete step of faithfulness today. Encourage also someone who is tired of running their race.
To reflect on
In which area of your life are you tempted to give up, and what small step of faithfulness could you take today?
Bible text: King James Version (public domain).