When Paul wrote his second letter to Timothy, he charged him to keep preaching the Word with complete patience and teaching. He warned that people would surround themselves with people who would tell them what their itching ears wanted to hear, but Timothy should always preach the truth. Paul warned, “As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry” (2 Timothy 4:5).
Paul knew that his time on Earth had a shelf life. He said, “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” (vs. 6-7). Paul knew beyond the shadow of a doubt that God would award to him the crown of righteousness on that day, “and not only me but also to all who have loved his appearing” (vs. 8). This is a great reminder for all of us to keep fighting the good fight and finish the race.
As we close the doors of a church building that served us for 109 years, we look back to all the faithful people who already are receiving the crown of righteousness. We vow to pick up the baton of faith and carry it to the finish line. We will run the race to the finish line and will continue in a new building to do the work of the Lord. We will fight the good fight as we fight the spiritual battle and teach others to put God and Christ above all else!