As I get older, I find myself saying to people my age more and more often: “Keep your eye on the finish line.”
When we were younger, our attention was on building careers, raising families, paying bills, and serving wherever God opened doors. Those were important years, and God used every one of them. But as we enter the last third of life, the finish line comes into view.
For a Christian, the finish line isn’t something to fear. It’s something to anticipate with joy. Jesus closed the Bible with these words: “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work” (Revelation 22:12, NKJV). (For those who need to hear this, Jesus wasn't referring to "payback" for everything wrong you've ever done.)
Those words remind us that nothing we do for Christ is ever wasted. Every unseen prayer, every act of kindness, every encouraging word, every sacrifice made for His kingdom is remembered by the Lord.
Salvation, which is the forgiveness of sin and the gift of eternal life to everyone who believes, is God’s free gift through faith in Jesus Christ. We could never earn it. Yet the Lord also promises rewards for those who faithfully serve Him. That truth should encourage us to finish well—not because we are trying to earn His love, but because we have already received it.
As believers mature, something beautiful should happen. When we first came to Christ, obedience often required determination because the pull of sin from our old life was still strong. But after decades of walking with Jesus, our love for Him should become deeper, and our obedience more natural.
Jesus said that those who abide in Him will bear much fruit. Healthy branches don’t struggle to produce fruit; they simply remain connected to the Vine. Fruit is the natural result of abiding. Bearing fruit should become natural. Our confidence should no longer come from youthful enthusiasm but from years of experiencing God’s faithfulness. Our boldness should never reflect pride or arrogance. Instead, it should quietly reflect the grace, humility, love, and truth of Jesus Christ.
The older I become, the more I realize how incredibly short this life really is. James describes our lives as a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. When seventy or eighty years are compared with eternity, this life is only a brief assignment entrusted to us by God. What an incredible privilege that is. For this brief moment, God has invited us to participate in His eternal plan. Every conversation matters. Every opportunity to encourage someone matters. Every chance to extend forgiveness, show compassion, share Christ, or demonstrate His love carries eternal significance
When I was younger, I often prayed, “Lord, use me.” Today, my prayer is just as often, “Lord, make me like You.” I’ve discovered that those who become the most like Jesus often become the most useful to Him. Perhaps that’s what it truly means to finish well. Not simply reaching the end of life. Not merely avoiding failure. But arriving at the finish line still loving Jesus with all our hearts, still being a light in this world, still bearing fruit, still extending grace, still walking in purity, and still pointing people to the Savior who has faithfully carried us every step of the way.
The greatest reward awaiting us isn’t simply a crown, the Tree of Life, or even the beauty of heaven itself. Our greatest reward is Jesus. He is the One who forgave us, strengthened us, never abandoned us, and promised, “I am coming quickly.” One day our faith will become sight. The race will be over. We will finally see the One we’ve loved all these years face to face.
Until then, let’s keep our eyes on the finish line. Let’s use every remaining day to love deeply, serve faithfully, live purely, think often of Him, and be the grace and love of God to the world around us.
Life is short and eternity is forever, so keep your eye on the finish line!
Revelation 22:12–14 (NKJV) “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last. Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city.”
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for saving me through the finished work of Jesus Christ and for allowing me to be part of Your eternal plan. As I journey through the years You have given me, help me to keep my eyes fixed on the finish line. Let my love for You continue to deepen, my obedience become more natural, and the fruit of my life reflect the character of Christ. Guard me from pride, keep my heart pure, and help me use every remaining day to extend Your grace and love to those around me. May I finish my race faithfully so that, when I finally see You face to face, my life will have brought honor and glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
