How can we ensure our "end is like theirs" in our daily walk? Setting the Scene: Balaam’s Remarkable Declaration “Who can count the dust of Jacob or number even a fourth of Israel? Let me die the death of the upright, and let my end be like theirs!” (Numbers 23:10) Balaam gazed on Israel and blurted out a longing every believer can share: to finish life in the same righteousness and favor enjoyed by God’s people. How do we make sure our end mirrors theirs? The Core Desire: A Righteous Finish • Balaam recognized there is a “death of the upright” distinct from the fate of the wicked (Proverbs 14:32). • Scripture promises a crown of righteousness to those who finish well (2 Timothy 4:7-8). • Our daily walk, then, must consistently align with the faith that secures such an end (Hebrews 12:1-2). Foundations for a Blessed End 1. New Birth in Christ • “You must be born again” (John 3:7). No righteous end without a righteous beginning. • Trust wholly in Jesus’ atoning work (Ephesians 2:8-9). 2. Ongoing Repentance and Faith • Keep short accounts with God (1 John 1:9). • Continually believe and obey (Mark 1:15; James 1:22). 3. Walking by the Word • Daily intake of Scripture shapes thinking and conduct (Psalm 1:1-3). • Let God’s Word dwell richly, guiding every decision (Colossians 3:16). 4. Spirit-Empowered Holiness • “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16). • Cultivate the Spirit’s fruit—love, joy, peace, etc.—which confirms authentic faith (Galatians 5:22-23). Practical Steps for Each Day • Settle your priorities at dawn: worship, Word, and prayer before tasks crowd in. • Choose companions who spur you to love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Reject lingering sin swiftly; lingering sin dulls desire for a righteous end. • Serve actively in the local church; love becomes tangible in ministry (1 Peter 4:10-11). • Steward resources with eternity in view; generosity loosens the grip of this world (Matthew 6:19-21). • Speak the gospel; witnessing keeps hope fresh and focuses the heart on Christ’s return (Philemon 6). Guardrails Against Drifting • Regular self-examination (2 Corinthians 13:5). • Accountability with mature believers (Proverbs 27:17). • Sabbath rhythms of rest and worship protect from burnout and worldliness (Exodus 20:8-11). • Remember the brevity of life—“Teach us to number our days” (Psalm 90:12). Confident Hope for the Finish Line Philippians 1:6 assures us that “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.” Dependence on God’s preserving grace inspires perseverance. As you cling to Christ daily—believing, obeying, repenting, and serving—you can echo Balaam’s longing with assurance: your end will indeed be like theirs. |
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