Many Bible characters had a fantastic and supernatural beginning, but only a select number had a strong ending. Seventy percent of leaders in Scripture did not finish well (more than half). Robert Clinton list six reasons why so many failed to finish well…
Reason #1. They stopped learning and growing.
All religion has a proneness to externality. When the heart and soul goes out, all you have left is ritual and tradition. Once the inner life dies, the divine dimension is lost. The church at Ephesus had much positive activity, but they had “left their first love.” Consequently, their candlestick was removed.
Reason #2. Undealt with character weakness.
Sampson was a “he-man” with a “she-problem.” He was addicted to low-hanging fruit—Philistine women. In fact, he violated all three Nazarite vows and left a trail of debauchery. His weakness was costly.
Reason #3. They stopped living their convictions and compromised.
Eli refused to discipline his wayward sons when they corrupted themselves and Israel’s priesthood. He maintained his office as high-priest, but his effectiveness was marred and destroyed.
Reason #4. They gave up long-term goals for short-term results.
Lot paid a high price for his association with low living. His elevated status in Sodom cost him his family. It was a sad day when an angel had to lead him out of that wicked city prior to the fire and brimstone descending. Temporary status and benefit is nothing in comparison to personal integrity and eternal values.
Reason #5. Lost sense of purpose.
Few things could be worse than losing the sense of your life purpose. This is why we must keep our hearts with all diligence. Life deteriorates when we fail to guard our hearts. Failing to set our sails in accordance with our assignment always leads to shipwreck. Despite his illustrious beginning, Solomon lost his way. His regrets and laments are well documented. A sad ending indeed.
Reason #6. They stopped praying.
It is written of Uzziah, “as long as he sought the LORD, God made him to prosper” (2 Chron. 26:5). Israel witnessed amazing victories through this man’s leadership.
“But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction: for he transgressed against the LORD his God, and went into the temple of the LORD to burn incense upon the altar of incense” (v. 16). Azariah, along with eighty valiant priests, boldly confronted him. Uzziah was then smitten with leprosy. Why? Because he stopped seeking the Lord and sinned grievously.
It is a very serious matter when God’s people cease to pray. As we go forward in our spiritual lives, we cannot afford to lose a seeking (praying) heart.
“Uzziah the king was a leper unto the day of his death, and dwelt in a several house, being a leper; for he was cut off from the house of the LORD” (v. 21). His proud heart brought him great personal devastation.
These six reasons serve as a sober reminder and warning that a good beginning does not assure a successful ending. Let us give heed and watch carefully all the way until our last breath.
Harold Vaughan
