How often do we start a project with good intentions of completing it, but for whatever reason we fail to finish what we began? Yes, we do leave many things unfinished.
I. Things that should never be left undone
1. Spreading the gospel. Sharing the gospel is so very important. We should proclaim it boldly every day - we should do so because the worls needs it so desperately (Matthew 10:27).
2. Christian duties. The scriptures call us to do certain things for the cause of Christ and for the well-being of the church (Ephesians 2:10). Are walking in good deeds daily? We should be continually looking for ways to be of service - ways to be useful in the Lord's kingdom.
3. Studying to draw closer to God. With all the conveniences we have in this modern world, one would think that we are left with even more time for studying the word of God. Yet we still fail to study like we should. The answer? Simply find the time to study your Bible. Make the time to do it (2 Timothy 2:15).
4. Enhancing our prayer life. Prayer is powerful. As Christians we have the wonderful privilege to speak to the Creator of this world and the Creator of each of us (Ephesians 6:18a).
II. Why we leave things undone
1. We fail to prioritize correctly. So many of us will not allow anything to keep us from missing a day of work, but only a minor problem or an unnecessary appointment can convince us to skip the services of the Lord's church (Matthew 6:33). If we will only recognize where on the list of our priorities our service to God really belongs, we will place our Chrisitian duties above these other things.
2. We don't see the urgency. Many say, "What is the hurry? What is so urgent about developing a faithful Christian life?" Let us remember that there is nothing more urgent or more crucial than our Christian service (Hebrews 2:3).
3. We may not fully understand the risk and the reward. There is, indeed, a risk involved with failing in our Christian duties. We should fear God, knowing that He is just and that His judgment will be fair and severe to those who fail to obey His will. And likewise there is a reward awaiting us, and for this reason we ought to be abounding in our service to Christ. (1 Thessalonians 4:16,17)
III. Completing tasks
1. Set goals. We set goals in our jobs. We are expected to if we want to perform weel in the things we are responsible for. When it comes to our Christian lives, are we setting goals?
a. Be specific in setting your goals. Choose a goal and stick to it.
b. Write your goal down. If you don't do this, it is likely that you will never accomplish it.
c. Set a time frame. Be realistic about the time it will take to accomplish your goal, but determine to complete your project by a certain date. Doing this will keep you eager to finish on time.2. Use a teammate. A teammate will encourage you and inspire you when you may lose that enthusiasm to continue. And you will, of course, do the same for your teammate. (Mark 6:7)
3. Realize your impact. Things you do and say do matter. And as a Christian you matter very much in the lives of so many others (Philippians 2:13).
4. Get started now. Christ finished His part on our behalf. He left nothing unfinshed (Hebrews 12:2). We should started now and then follow Christ's example in finishing our goals.
Is your salvation complete? Have you:
1) Heard the gospel (Romans 10:14)?
2) Believed that Christ died for your sins and that He arose again (Acts 16:31)?
3) Repented of the sins in your life (Luke 13:3)?
4) Confessed Christ's name before others (Romans 10:9)?
5) Been baptized for the remission of your sins (Acts 2:38)?
Matthew 10:27 What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.
Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Ephesians 6:18a Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Hebrews 2:3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;
1 Thessalonians 4:16,17
16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.Mark 6:7 And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;
Philippians 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Romans 10:14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
Acts 16:31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
Luke 13:3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
