Finishing Well

The last word in the letter to the Colossians simply says, “See to it that you complete the work you have received in the Lord.”  It’s a personal push to someone we know little about (Archippus).  He’s spoken of in Philemon as a “fellow soldier” in Christ who may have helped host a church in his home.  But the word is a reminder to complete a job that is part of his spiritual calling.

A year ago I wrote on this theme due to my wife’s retirement from 25 years of teaching.  In the meantime I’ve been looking ahead to the finish line of my weekday work with hospice (not at church), at the end of May.  With that little verse periodically coming to mind as I have asked,    Is it really coming time for me to stop this work? 

Considering what time in life it seems to be, in health and energy, in family situation, in finances, in the work itself and in over-all purpose – all help to determine where the finish line should be.  Meanwhile, it is for me to finish as faithfully and completely as I can.

Sometimes the end of a significant life task is made for us.  The job is eliminated.  Or family needs or health limits make the decision clear.  Whether we would have preferred the timing to be otherwise.  While we trust in the often hidden hand of God to be guiding what and when we need to finish.  

Here, understanding our long-term calling comes into play.  The accompanying devotional book to our Sunday Series “The Chosen” has a reflection on Jesus’ question, “Who do you say that I am?”  Peter identified Jesus  distinctively as “the Christ, son of the living God.”  Then Jesus tells Peter who he truly is:  the rock, foundational for the church to come.  The point was, the better we understand Jesus, then the clearer we understand our distinctive purpose in him.

We may have a task to finish when the next part of the journey is yet unclear.  Our sphere may then involve fewer people and interactions.  Our next assignment may have less control.  Even as Jesus later said to Peter as he called him to follow in a new season, You used to go where you wanted, but later someone else will lead you where you do not want to go (John 21:17-19).  

Our new place to serve may be narrower but deeper.  And without losing our readiness to serve.  “The Message” version of Romans 8:15-16 puts it:  This resurrection life you received from God . . . is adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike “What’s next, Papa?” (as) God’s Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are.

We aim to finish well the task we have received.  To be better prepared to serve the next season.