Finishing Well

By Linda Reed

At this time of year, many of us are wrapping up our ESL programs for the year. Some of us are tired, while others begin overseas ESL experiences. Often, the summer provides time for quiet reflection on the year past. Did we finish well? If we want to evaluate the year, what measures can we use? Here I suggest three:             

“Was I faithful?” It always astounds me that Jesus’ review of those entrusted with either five or two ‘talents’ was “well done, good and faithful servant” (Matt 25:21, 23). We aren’t commended for being flashy, but for being faithful. We can ask: “Was my involvement, week after week, done to please Jesus?” If I was faithful, Jesus commends my efforts.     

“Was it flourishing?” While “flourishing” seems beyond us, growing is required by Jesus. Jesus evaluated those same servants with five, two, or one ‘talent’ by whether or not they had “gained more” (Matt 25: 20, 22). His only condemnation was to the one who played it safe, who was “afraid, and hid his talent in the ground.” So, in retrospect, did you grow? Is your life and ministry slowly but steadily “flowering”? Are you living in fear or in faith—taking steps to use your one life to “sow and gather seed” (v. 26)? Or, am I burying a hidden talent, believing God can’t be quite that good? (v. 24) In specific terms in our contexts, we might ask: did I attempt anything new this year? For greater ministry effectiveness, what next steps do I need to take? (This may mean including a new approach, receiving further training, or pruning overload).     

“Was this fruitful?” If you and your team were to sit down over lattes, could you share evidences of God at work? (John 15:5). Was the fruit of the Spirit more evident (Gal 5:22-23)?  Were seeds planted that could bear gospel fruit? (I Cor 3:6-8). Remember, Jesus said, “Everyone who confesses Me before people, I will confess him/her before My Father in heaven” (Matt 10:32). In what ways can we praise God for fruit?

Weary at year’s end, we may even think of quitting. One weary saint, the apostle Paul, wrote as he was finishing his journey on earth: “But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry” (2 Tim 4:5). May we fulfill our ministries as we are faithful, fruitful, and, if possible, flourishing.