I am often given the privilege of leading spiritual retreats. Taking a few days to pray and reflect can be very enriching. During the program, I sometimes ask the participants to do an exercise: “Imagine that your life ends and you publish the obituary in a newspaper. What would you like me to say?" As a result, some change their priorities, aiming to end their lives well.
In 2 Timothy 4, we find the last words of the apostle Paul. Although he may have been in his early 60s and had faced death before, he feels that his life is about to end (v. 6). There would be no more mission trips or letters to their churches. Looking back on his life, he writes: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith" (v. 7). Although he had not been perfect (1 Timothy 1:15-16), he evaluates his life according to his faithfulness to God and the gospel.
Thinking about our last days makes us aware of what matters now. Paul's words can be a good model to follow: fight the good fight, complete the race, keep the faith. In the end, what will matter is whether we have remained faithful to God and his ways. He will provide us with what is necessary to live, fight spiritual battles and end well.