How do you want to be remembered? What does it truly mean to finish well in life?
The late Nelson Mandela is one example that comes to mind when we think of individuals who finished well. Mandela spent 27 years in prison for fighting against apartheid in South Africa. Despite the injustice, he never wavered in his belief in equality and peace. When he was finally released, he forgave his oppressors and led South Africa becoming the country’s first Black president.
I can safely say that finishing well is about finishing the race God has given you to run in your life time. It is not just about career success but also spiritual, relational and character growth. It is also imperative because God will ask you to give an account of your life at the end of it. Furthermore, I believe that in this life, you'll get the most support from God when you are caring to be about your life's purpose (Ref; Philippians 2:13).
So, what is it going to take to finish well?
There are some life long practices that almost every one that leaves behind a worthwhile legacy engages in and you too can finish well if you take them on. Let's delve into them;
Fighting the good fight of faith.
It has nothing to do with proving others wrong or trying to amass more material stuff than others to show them how much better you are than them. Rather, it is about working with the very gifts he has given you to fulfill down to the last detail of what he has called you to do. It is about taking on missions/responsibilities for Christ and working to expand his influence in all that you aim at. (Ref; 2 Timothy 4:7)
Furthermore, this fight requires you to run on the right track that is, living unto Christ and not conforming to the standards of this world where the fight is of pride, lust, vindication and personal insecurity.
A vision for your life
In a world full of distractions making it easy to fall for everything and not stand for anything, having a vision for your life will help you maintain focus. it is said that "the reason why most men fail is because of broken focus". A vision not only helps you to have direction, it gives you hope that enables you to persevere through life's inevitable challenges.
Mother Teresa, one of the most beloved humanitarian figures in history faced immense physical and emotional challenges as she worked among the sick and destitute but it must have been her passion for her vision to serve the poorest of the poor that helped her stay the course.
Cultivating healthy relationships
Keeping the company of enriching people is an art that every person that desires to leave a legacy must master. Often times when you set out to pursue a dream, there will be many declaring their undying willingness to support you to reach your goals. However, in my experience, majority of those are usually looking to use you as a ladder to their own dreams that they feel so afraid to chase. So then how do you spot the real destiny helpers?
First, they have to be people who challenge you to do the work that is necessary to birth your significance. Look out for people who have gone the way and can show you the way. Look out for individuals who have the same values as you ought to have to see through your purpose. If you need to become a reader, don't let people who spend hours on TV close in on you as your confidants concerning your purpose moves.
Discipline
Discipline is about doing what you are supposed to do even when it is hard. Many are times you will not feel like doing the tasks that are necessary to reach your goals. Say you are a content creator, there are days you may not feel like pressing record on your camera but you do not have to let your feelings vote. You must push yourself to do the work if you want results.
Some practical steps you can take to cultivate those attributes include; regular prayer and reading of God's word, surrounding yourself with faith filled friends and family who are also prioritizing purpose, and prioritize personal growth.
Finishing well is a choice we make daily. What step will you take today to move closer to your God-given purpose?
"To begin well is an advantage, but to Finish well is an Imperative"
