A father and his four-year-old son were walking on the beach. They spotted a dead seagull and the son asked his father what had happened. The father said that the bird had died and gone to heaven. The son looked up and then at the dead bird and said, "Did God throw him back down?"
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up 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 loved His appearing" (II Timothy 4:7-8). Paul had engaged in the spiritual warfare that is good, noble, and worthwhile. It spreads the good news, defeating sin and error. He had not fought this fight on a temporary basis, but he completed his service. He also had done it the right way, always "keeping the faith.” It's not sufficient just to run enthusiastically in any direction. Paul had earlier said, "And also if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not win the prize unless he competes according to the rules (II Timothy 2:5).” We must seek the direction that God has given us in His word. The Christian victory awaits His faithful.
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