As for me, I am already being poured out as a libation, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the LORD, the righteous judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

2 Timothy 4:6-8

Many people living in their twilight years suddenly realize how empty and pointless their lives have been. They have made some successful business deals and had some fund, but in terms of satisfying friendships or lasting accomplishments, their lives have been zero. They have climbed the ladder of success, only to discover that all the while it had been leaning against the wrong wall.

As the apostle Paul looked back on his ministry, he saw that it had been rewarding but not easy. Measured by the world's yardstick of success, his life seems almost insignificant. Paul wrote his second letter to Timothy while languishing in a cold damp dungeon awaiting execution. He knew in a matter of weeks he would be put to death. He also knew that after his death he would receive the crown of life from the King of kings. And we now know that the influence of his life changed the course of history. Who are you living for, and how will you look at your own life?

There are no losers with Jesus

and no winners with the devil.

Our Daily Bread - October 25, 2004