This past week I started my final class in the MBA program at Thomas More College. I am determined to finish my degree with the same energy I started the program with, but this may not be the case for everyone. Some students take it easy towards the end of his or her respective academic endeavor. This may happen to a high school student taking it easy on school work during his or her final days of senior year. It could be a college student expecting to earn his or her degree shortly and they go through the motions. No matter the academic level, there are students who will not have the energy to finish strong. Does this happen to Christians? Do we know Christians who do not have the same energy to serve as they once had? Why is this important? When we put on Christ in baptism, our commitment does not end. It only begins. Finishing what we started is critical. The Apostle Paul in 2 Timothy 4:6-8 says, “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth 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.”

It is easy to be content when the end is in sight. When each of us figuratively climbs our individual mountains to achieve the goals set before us, what good is it to stop 90% of the way up, look down and marvel at what has been accomplished? Those final steps are just as important as the first steps. As we grow as Christians, let us maintain the fire that started our journey. If needed, regain that desire. Refuel the flame! Keep climbing that mountain set before you. Let us fight the good fight and finish the race.