Finishing Well

Tonight I am speaking to my students from Philippians 2:21-27. In this passage, Paul engages himself in debate as to whether it would be better for him to go on and be with Jesus now or stay in the world so that he can continue the work for Christ that he was called to do. He believes being with Jesus would be awesome but at the same time he knows that he's still needed on earth to help grow the church and proclaim the gospel.

One thing that I could never debate was that the apostle Paul finished well the work that God called him to do. His legacy is incredible (2/3 of the New Testament was penned by him) and he was the original and still greatest church planter missionary. Although I never personally knew the apostle Paul I am greatly impacted by his life and work for the gospel of Christ.

There is another Paul that kindles within me fond memories. His name is Paul Barclay and just this past weekend he died of a heart attack at the young age of 53. Paul was a lifelong Young Life volunteer and even though I wasn't active in Young Life while in high school, I saw Paul pretty much everywhere I went. As I checked out his obituary page I noticed that there was a guestbook that people could sign, so I checked out some of the comments that many had left for his wife Lynn and his sons John and PJ. What struck me from reading those comments was just how much of a mark this man left on students throughout the years. One man commented that there were perhaps hundreds of high school kids who have come to faith in Christ because of the faithful witness of Paul Barclay. Wow! What a way to be remembered!

I want to finish well. I don't care if someone dedicates a plaque in my honor or names a church pew after me when I'm gone. What I do desire is that my life will have mattered for the gospel of Jesus Christ and that I have taken every opportunity I can to love people for the sake of the gospel.