We recently acquired a book on which this blog is based.
This book was recommended by a good friend who has seen a lot of life and experienced
a great deal more. This book has challenged, provoked and encouraged me keep
going on the straight and narrow because it opens up to true healthy joyous
living and indeed to finally finishing strong.
We have all seen flash in the pans, the ones who make a big
noise, know how to attract and play to an audience, to focus on the external and
on what is seen rather than on the eternal, that which is not seen. We all know
of one or two great men of God who suddenly shot to fame and suddenly got shot
down by something or someone.
I have summarized a few points from a chapter this book that
I have being reflecting upon. But what is the title of this book? Well, it is
aptly titled “Finishing Strong” by Steve Farrar. I would strongly recommend you
make a wise investment of buying this super book.
So here goes:
There are different kinds of finishes
Cut off early
Finishing poorly
Finishing “so- so”
Finished well
To finish strong we need to survive the ambushes that life
throws at us in various forms. Getting through the ambushes is what separates
the boys from the men. The men are aware and prepare for the ambushes.
Three major ambushes
Money
Another woman
Neglected family.
And might I add – power? In my life experience I have seen
many being ambushed by this deadly one and the root of which I feel is selfish
ambition and pride.
King Solomon got ambushed by all 3
There are four simple questions we need to ask ourselves and
answer ruthlessly honestly. All of the great men who fell tripped up on one of the 4 mentioned below. Frighteningly sobering.
- 1. Do I have a constant quiet time? The correct answer ought to be YES
- 2. 2 Do I have 1 or 2 friends in my life? Based on trust who love me enough to get into my face and tell me the truth about myself. The correct answer ought to be YES
- 3. Are you currently spending a lot of time with another person of the opposite sex? The correct answer ought to be NO
- 4. Are you sure you will finish strong. The correct answer ought to be NO
1 wrong answer- risk, 2 wrong answers – moderate risk, 3 –
bad risk, 4 – dead meat. The author recommends you get help quickly and treat
this as urgent.
MONEY
Ananias and Saphira were more interested in looking good
than doing good. Do you think it was the first time they lied about money. Are
you shooting straight when it comes to money?
NEGLECTED FAMILY
Many great men of God neglected their family. Leaving behind
family to become missionaries is not a biblical example, though some have done
it but to the destruction of their marriages and family. The Apostles took
their families along. Neglected family is un biblical and contradicts the
Father heart of God and the qualifications for a good leader ( 1Tim 3:4-5)
Qualifications for having a public ministry is not
giftedness - Qualifications for ministry is proven character.
A gifted man is not necessarily mature. In fact the very
“giftedness” can be his down fall because he does not to work hard at
discipline. That’s why they lag behind in character.
The great commission and family are not in conflict with one
another. The Great commission is about making disciples and the first ones are
in your own home.
Our kids don’t need more things- they need us.
I think there is a lot of matter to reflect upon and work on
in this brief summary of but one chapter in this great book. I am putting some
things that my heart has been convicted of into practice. Will you join me?
Navaz D Cruz
