Lessons From An Old Pro

“You need to take a few lessons from a real pro.”  That was Herb’s advice to me.  This 87 year old man, who was a scratch golfer during his prime with three holes-in-one to his credit, was offering some wisdom for this “hacker.”  Sadly a week later, he succumbed to the leukemia that dragged him from the game that he loved.  I was privileged to preach his funeral and minister to his grieving family.

“Take lessons from a Pro.”  That’s good advice for life, as well as golf.  The apostle Paul wrote his final letter to Timothy, a younger man whom he had mentored.  This “old pro” who boldly proclaimed the Good News of Jesus Christ, established churches  and whose letters now make up nearly half of the New Testament, shares with Timothy some lessons from about life and ministry for us all. 

Especially noteworthy is Paul’s assessment of his own life recorded in 2 Timothy 4:6-8…

“For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure.  I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have kept the faith.  Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day – and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”

Facing eminent death, Paul provides his perspective of life… past, present and future.

Live a “Poured-Out” Life Today

Paul would soon die a martyr’s death, yet his final hours are spent encouraging a young follower of Christ.  From time of his encounter with Christ on the Damascus Road, Paul was a man on a mission.  He made the most of every day to fulfill God’s purpose for his life.  “Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16)    He lived a “poured-out” life.  Giving all he had to share the love of Christ and message of the gospel to others.  

  

Look Back with No Regrets

When Paul reflected on the past, he had no regrets.  “I have fought the good fight, I finished the race and I have kept the faith.”  Every challenge that he faced, he battled with Christ by his side. Everything he started, he knew that Christ would enable him to persevere.  Despite any obstacle, he believed that Christ would overcome it.   Throughout his life, Paul knew that everything that he experienced good or bad, that it for his betterment and God’s glory.   “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

Look Forward to Your Heavenly Reward

Paul didn’t need his life validated by trophies, or monuments or the praise of men.  He looked forward to the reward that the Lord would give to him in eternity.  Paul didn’t consider death a loss.  “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”  (Philippians 1:21)  He knew that his greatest victory was still to come… eternal life which was made available through Jesus Christ.  “Where, O death is your victory?  Where, O death is your sting?  The sting of death is sin and the power of sin is the law.  But thanks be to God!  He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”  (1 Corinthians 15:55-56) 

Hopefully, this lesson from an “old pro” will help you stay on the straight and narrow fairway that leads to everlasting life.