How you begin is important but how you finish is crucial!

Most, if not all runners begin well…they’re all shoulder to shoulder at the beginning of a race and many are still close to the lead late in the race, but only one finishes well and wins the prize.

This week I’ve focused on the ancient Greek athletic word found in the New Testament: Dromon that is translated: “course.”

In this passage, Paul uses sport to summarize his life.  First of all, this is a strong statement that sport is not inherently evil.  The Holy Spirit would have never inspired Paul, perhaps the greatest Christian of the 1st Century to summarize his life by the metaphor of sport if it was intrinsically evil.

Second, Paul inspires his mentee Timothy by example: “I have finished my “course”…and so Timothy follow my example and finish your “course” well.

So, I say to you, the coach, the athlete, the sports minister…don’t let anyone tell you sport is evil and more importantly: finish your “course” well.

Ready, set, go…and now finish!