John Maxwell’s reflections on “finishing well” resonate deeply with 2 Timothy 4. This letter yet encourages perseverance and faithfulness until the end of one’s journey. At age 80, Maxwell exhorts believers to not mix their faith in Jesus with faith in their successes. We each leave a legacy every time we humbly reflect Jesus, or if we project our personal power. We each influence by our confidence in what Jesus accomplished, or on what we have.

The  legacy we leave behind is of our faith in God, or in our own efforts. We walked by faith in His faithfulness, or by the age old belief; “I got this.” Did we inspire  others by the Spirit of God in us? Did our meekness roar, or did we quietly persevere?  Did we endure without grumbling in sickness or during heartbreak? In 2 Timothy 4, the need to “fight the good fight” and “finish the race.” is highly emphasized. Do our personal choices echo our dependence on God, or ourselves? How has faith in the Word of God played a crucial role in enduring your trials? Did we stand strong, or fold under peer pressure? Our daily actions and choices actually mentor others. Did we exhibit dependence, or our own independence?

Paul instructed Timothy to serve God by his complete submission and reliance on God’s faithfulness. The end of the church age is fast approaching. During our own end of days on earth, we are forced by nature to accept our position, in Christ, and under His authority. Do we align our desires with the truth of why we were chosen, delivered, and equipped? We must acknowledge our impending departure, with intentional reflection. It is wise to advocate for embracing change with amazing grace. The importance of adapting to new circumstances while maintaining one’s core values must not be overlooked. Most surrendered souls enjoy a sustained purpose. Jesus gave us a purpose. To serve Him without doubting as we were saved for His glory, not ours. At any age, we continue to seek meaningful ways to serve and contribute with our best, out of the overflow of His love. Our desire is to “finish well” for God’s glory, through our own faith, with glad perseverance, mentorship, and continuous growth. We ask the Holy Spirit to continue to work in us, to refine us, so that we can honestly reflect on our own impact on earth and improve by His grace daily.

“These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come. So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!” 1 Corin 10:11-12. The author, and leadership trainer was born in Garden City, Michigan, in 1947 to a dad in full time ministry. Maxwell completed a bachelor’s degree at Circleville Bible College in 1969, a Master of Divinity degree at Azusa Pacific University, and a Doctor of Ministry degree at Fuller Theological Seminary.  Maxwell is an American author, speaker, and pastor who wrote books primarily focused on leadership. Titles include: Falling Forward; Winning With People; Success one Day at a Time; Be a People Person; The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership;  Today Matters; 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader. Doctor John Calvin Maxwell received the Medal of Peace from Guatemalan government in 2018.

John C. Maxwell is widely known for his work in leadership development and personal growth. He is an author, speaker, and pastor who has written numerous books on leadership, many of which are bestsellers. His teachings focus on principles of effective leadership, teamwork, and personal development. He emphasizes the importance of influence, communication, and building relationships in leadership roles. Beyond his writing, he is also known for his leadership training programs and conferences, which have reached a global audience. He founded the John Maxwell Company, which provides training and resources for leaders in various sectors, and he is involved in charitable work through the John Maxwell Foundation. His contributions have made him a prominent figure in the fields of leadership and mentorship.