Surviving in ministry is a tough assignment. Some say “I had rather wear out than rust out.” Others suffer burnout and others quit before the race is finished.
Completing the race is of great importance to all of us. To stop before we reach our goal is to miss the very essence of what it is to be created in the image of God. We are made for better things than to miss the mark and not take advantage of the life and death of Jesus. To quit before that is reached is to fail miserably.
Yet, many sit down beside the road and while their time away and miss the opportunity to live forever with God. What a sad end for those who give up too early or rust out or burn out.
Paul told young Timothy I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God. Fanning the flame means that we get the fire going. Fire that is about to go out can sometimes be fanned into flame and add warmth to a person’s life. We could use a good fanning occasionally.
Our goal should be the same as that of Paul. He was forever thinking about the final result of his ministry. He said I want to do two things: 1) I want to finish my race. 2) I want to complete the task.
As we number the causalities who have fallen to the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of Satan, may we not be in that number.