It was the desire of Paul’s heart to finish with joy and I would hope that every Christian feels the same. But the sad fact of the matter is that many lack the joy of which Paul spoke. They might eventually drag themselves across the finish line, but life for them is a drudgery rather than a delight. They leave the impression that life is a punishment rather than a privilege. They do their duty, but they are sour rather than sweet, sad rather than glad. It shouldn’t be that way.
For others it might not end that well. There is the possibility that they won’t finish at all. If they lack joy the likelihood of that happening is greatly increased. Neh. 8:10 says, “the joy of the LORD is your strength“. Without joy you are weak, and that’s dangerous. Life is difficult and we need all the strength we can get. If you lack joy it will be difficult to resist temptation, overcome trials, and press on through trouble. Without joy your chances of finishing well are greatly diminished. We are in desperate need of joy, yet many seem content to live without it– they’ve been doing so for a long time. And if you live year after year without joy don’t count on it being suddenly infused the final days of your life. Now is the time for change. It doesn’t make sense to do otherwise. Life might be terribly difficult, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be joyful. When we yield ourselves to the Holy Spirit He gives us “joy unspeakable and full of glory”–regardless of the circumstances.
Finishing the work God has given us to do ought to be the desire of every Christian. But many fail. Their life ends but their work is left unfinished. Some folks serve with for years and then suddenly blow it near the end, and fail to finish. For one reason or another they stumble, fall, and fail–in sight of the finish line. Dear friend think about it–just a few more days to labor, just a few more miles to travel, just a few more difficulties to overcome–please don’t quit now. With God’s help you can take it and make it. It would be horrible to halt now. Do as the song says, “with joy I’ll carry on!” It is time for “sad-sack” Christianity to cease. We are to rejoice in the Lord always (Phil. 4:4) and to do that we must be “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.” (Heb. 12:2-3). With our focus on Christ we cannot fail.
