A good friend of mine likes to point out how the most underused and underproductive group in society are those in the fourth quarter of life (let's say over sixty-five).
How unfortunate -- because folks at this stage really have a lot going for them...
They tend to be more secure financially... they have a ton of experience... and they've lived long enough to discover what they're good at and what they like to do.
This puts them in a great place to contribute to the lives of others... and God's kingdom.
So there's little reason for these folks to be sitting on the bench.
It's true... people in the fourth quarter may have to deal with less energy and more health issues...
And they may be sidelined by some in society who assume younger is better (poor souls)...
But a lot of late in life dormancy is self-imposed... and comes about through a lack of faith that one can still be used by God...
And so it's important to develop a vision for finishing strong.
The Bible can help with this as we recall a couple well-known figures -- Solomon and Paul.
Solomon started strong. For a time he was the wisest man alive, writing 1005 songs and 3000 proverbs.
But as he got older, he slipped spiritually... the world got a hold of his affections... and he ended up with his heart turning away from the Lord and turning to other gods.
Solomon did not finish well.
Paul is another story.
He began with a lot of misguided zeal, and hurt people.
But once he saw the light and got his life on track, he persevered faithfully, serving God to the end...
So he could sincerely say in his last days...
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith" (2 Tim.4:7).
The contrast between Solomon and Paul issues a direct challenge to think about finishing strong.
So what does finishing strong look like for you?
What kind of legacy do you want to leave for others and God's kingdom?
What do you need to do for that to happen?