Start with the End in Mind

by David Rollert

Life is full of distractions: They may be pleasant or unpleasant, but they are distractions never-the-less. Interestingly, what constitutes a distraction differs for people greatly since it is based on an individual’s goals. What a motivated, goal-oriented person sees as a distraction could be the perceived purpose in life for an unmotivated, aimless person. What a righteous person sees as a sinful distraction, an unrighteous person might see as the only thing worth pursuing.

The problem is that, when indulged, distractions can prevent you from completing your tasks or reaching your goals. With so many available distractions, and the very definition of what constitutes a distraction being so nebulous, what are we to do? One thing we can do is start with the end in mind.

In 2 Timothy 2:1-7 Paul uses three analogies for the work of ministry: A soldier, an athlete, and a farmer. These analogies teach us several lessons - lessons about discipline, following the rules, pleasing your master, and sharing in the produce. The characters described all share the need to start with the end in mind.

A soldier trains, works hard, follows orders and is away from home for long amounts of time – all for the sake of achieving victory against the enemy. Distracted soldiers who do not complete their physical training would not have the strength, discipline, and stamina to be victorious in battle. If a soldier gets distracted and fails to follow orders in battle, the rest of the army may suffer defeat. Soldiers need to start with the end in mind.

An athlete may enjoy their sport, but they still start with the end in mind. A person running a marathon does not start the race running as fast as they can. If they did, then they would tire out quickly and not finish the race. Instead they pace themselves, running at a speed that allows them to keep running for the entire distance. Athletes need to start with the end in mind.

A farmer does not plant seeds expecting an immediate harvest. The farmer could use his wheat to make bread and fill his belly for the moment. But instead, he plants that wheat so that he can harvest far more at the end of the season. Farmers need to start with the end in mind.

What about us? While we may not be soldiers in an earthly military, we are soldiers in the Lord’s army. We may not be athletes, but we do run the race of this life. We may not be farmers, but we do sow the seeds of the kingdom. Just like the soldier, athlete, and farmer, we must start with the end in mind.

We study God’s word and resist sin knowing that spiritual maturity takes time and practice to develop. We evangelize knowing that people’s hearts don’t change in a day. We endure trials knowing that endurance requires experience. We stay obedient to God knowing that eternity with God is worth it! If we expect immediate results from our spiritual efforts, then we will be disappointed and discouraged. So, take the long view: work diligently for God, and start with the end in mind.