[900 words, 5 minutes]
One of my former parishioners, a longtime friend, contacted me about some books I left behind in our former church’s library and asked if I might be interested in receiving them back. One of them looks like a Father’s Day gift from Graham, he said. Of course I wanted it!
Seven-year-old Graham thought his dear old dad could use a book of devotional readings geared for men. Although I read many of its 365 entries in 1997, I never finished it. I thought it might be a good idea — in honor of my son’s wishes — to plow through its 400-plus pages again.
Its daily readings feature a selection of writings from various respected Christian authors and ministers. Some are unfamiliar to me but others I know all too well.
Here’s the thing. I built up a good head of steam reading the daily selections, feeling nourished by some insights I found therein, but one day I hit on one that stopped me cold. The writer was recognizable to me as a man who had just filled the headlines with substantiated charges of adultery. I decided to skip that day.
A few days later, another blighted pastor was featured. I skipped that one too. Two days hence, yet another disgraced man of God. Three fallen preachers in one week, in a book designed ‘for men seeking integrity.’ The irony was crushing. I mean, What are we even doing here?
These discoveries forced a question: What testimony am I building? I’ve catalogued a great many blog posts, spiritual essays, and sermons through the forty years I’ve been preaching. Do I want someone to come across something I’ve written twenty or thirty years from now and have them say, “no thanks, I’ll skip this guy”?
I’m privileged to be a part of a rotation of teachers for our church’s Thursday night men’s discipleship gathering. Each of the last two weeks I shared from Paul’s final words to Timothy.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
2 Timothy 4:7
It’s telling that I haven’t spent my time condemning those men who failed, but instead I’m taking stock of my own testimony. Lord knows I still have things the Spirit is working to redeem, and while I certainly have my share of disappointments and failures, I’m grateful to have the public testimony of a preserved faith. I’m holding on to that like a precious treasure.
A proverb reminds us to “Guard your heart above all else, for it is the source of life” (Prov 4:23, CSB). If the citadel is taken by the enemy, the whole town has to surrender. If the enemy overtakes our spiritual loves and affections, our entire testimony will collapse into rubble. People won’t remember our glory days; they’ll only recall how we fell on our swords.
It’s a fight to remain faithful. It doesn’t come naturally nor does it come passively. Paul’s last recorded words are solemnly directed at a pastor to get serious about death and judgment, the faithful proclamation of the scriptures, and faithful attendance to his own testimony. All else is prelude.
Prisoner Paul then makes a bold admission. He says “I’m ready, Timothy. I’ve been a lifelong warrior and I’m going out on my feet! I’ve done all that God commanded me to do. I’ve finished the race, gutting it out to the very last mile.”
There were a lot of battles and bruises that preceded such a declaration. In one harrowing passage, Paul recounted all the bloody miles of his marathon that led up to his finish line. Fought the good fight, indeed.
And then I remembered another fight the apostle had: with himself.
I run the race then with determination. I am no shadow-boxer, I really fight! I am my body’s sternest master, for fear that when I have preached to others I should myself be disqualified.
1 Corinthians 9:26-27 (JBP)
As if the world, the flesh, the devil, and religion aren’t enemy enough, we’ve got to face off with the man in the mirror every day of our lives. We’ve got to box ourselves, beat ourselves black and blue (the Greek in verse 27 means to bruise your eye), and train ourselves in godliness.
Paul said his hardest opponent was Paul. Alexander did him much harm, but Paul needed to be brought to the mat. Demas forsook him, but Paul needed to go all Rocky on himself. Hymanaeus had to be turned over, but Paul needed a black eye. The Corinthians were a source of endless consternation, but Paul stood toe-to-toe with himself every day of his life.
One of the great things about coming to the finish line — for me — will be to finally be done with this world, the devil, and myself. I get so tired of me. But if the word of God is true – and it is – it’s a good fight, a noble fight, a necessary fight.
If Scott Mitchell doesn’t want his testimony to be ‘skipped over’ some day, he’s going to have to daily go toe-to-toe with himself in the ring and punch himself in the nose, not box the air.
Winning takes training and discipline. It takes black eyes and bruised faces and broken noses to be able to say, “I’ve fought the good fight.”
That’s how I want to go out: black and blue and…ready like Paul.
Selah, beloved.
Amen and Amen. Thank you brother.
Bless you with the love of Christ, Brett. Thank you for your encouragement!
Love this! Thank you for wanting to be a man that runs the race and finishes well.
Thank you, sweetheart! You make me want to be a better man. I know that’s kinda sappy, but I guess we’ve watched too many Hallmark movies.
Thanks for the morning gut punch.
I see what you did there, Jon. Thank you, buddy. May the Lord’s love knock you off your feet today!
Such a great word!! I think it was something you said recently that has me praying for the faith, the love for the truth, the courage, the love, and the revelation to finish well. Today is such a great reminder that finishing well is a battle… a battle against self. I get so tired of myself, too. Thank you for carrying the clarion call to finish well. You are still shepherding your friends so well!
My heart rejoices for us to have the honor of “doing Life” with you and Alan. I could try to imagine people for our faith journey and would still not dream big enough to get the gift you’ve brought into our lives. The Mitchells love the Penns. Thank you, Jesus!!
Well said! It is a daily battle to keep pressing on but thank the Lord for the daily mirror of His Word that can correct and sustain us when we heed His Spirit’s prompting. Yes, my heart is sad when I remember some spiritual leaders’ tarnished testimonies but am thankful for God’s endless mercies and grace when one repents. May we all keep our eyes focused on the Author and Finisher of our faith! It will be worth the black and blue times when we see Jesus! Blessings to you and Sandy!
Your comments always bring a huge smile to my heart, Beth. Thank you for shining a light on the added truth of God’s mercy for our failings and his kindness that leads us to repentance. Bless you with the love of Christ and his daily encouragement!
Very inspiring and much to reflect on for me personally. Love ya, thanks Scott.
Heartfelt thanks, Joe! I give thanks to our Father for your friendship and kindness to me, brother. You are loved.
Hi Steve
I’m setting here in a dealership waiting on my cars and I decided to read your words.
Thank you for your authenticity in your life for us to glean from.
I’m “ tired of me” stuck out. How often I fill defeated allowing the enemy to rule the day only to fill guilty. You have fought the good fight ever since I met you in Grove City Pa My wife Donna and I remember you so well and how we loved you and Sandy.
Playing rope a dope dope is not good for we always get landed with a solid punch.
Thank you for this writing Scott, it helped this heart much.
Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving & a blessed Christmas to you & Sandy. 🙏✝️
So sorry for calling you Steve in my salutation. I don’t know where that came from. Can’t be age. LOL.
That’s quite alright! The funny thing is, I’m often called Steve by people who just met me or slip-ups by others who have known me for awhile. I’ve learned to just let it go, lol
Alan, my brother in Christ, your words stirred my heart just now. Thank you for sharing your genuineness with me (as at other times) and encouraging me in my journey with the Savior. You and Donna have been a valued part of our journey and we are thankful to have known you and know you still! Grove City always brings up treasured memories! How God moved in those years together! Thank you again for blessing me with your words, Alan. Our love to you and Donna.
Round 10, bing! Fight and keep on fighting!
Great word of warning and encouragement!!!
My thanks to one of the best men I have ever known! A true man of God, fighting the good fight of the faith all these many years. Bless you, Fred.
I’ve always gotten excited when I receive an alert in my email that my friend, Pastor Scott, has been writing again. I immediately begin to look for a quiet moment to read it and take it all in deeply because it always nourishes my soul so good! I wasn’t looking for a fight with me cause I have plenty of fights with other opponents who are determined to steal my walk with Jesus or at least disable it. Thanks for helping me slow down and consider myself as the potential opposition. The last thing I want is a tarnished legacy because of ME!
That’s all so kind of you, Kelly. Honestly, I feel so humbled when anyone is helped by the words I share from my heart. You honor me. Thank you for blessing me with your time and caring enough to share these beautiful words. You and Doug are in our prayers; may God’s sweet comfort and His infinite supply of grace brace and refresh you in this season.
Such a great word and a great reminder. I don’t want people to say, skip over KaKa. Thank you dear friend for reminding us to keep up the fight.
Our dear KaKa, faithful prayer warrior and generous in friendship, we give thanks for you. When we see your name, we never dare skip past it. Your Heavenly Father certainly doesn’t; His thoughts of you are as numerous as the sand. Thank you for sharing these words with me, dear one.