Alright bro,
I have been placed in a position where I am at the end of my life. I have often said it is not how well you start the race, but it is how you finish. This is how the people you have led will remember you most.
Count this as being my last rambling session to impart my “wisdom” to you, and know that these few things I find most valuable.
First, keep your head up! That’s a loaded statement, and I know that. I have learned that being in the ministry, and doing kingdom work takes its toll on a personal level. You will often find yourself being pummeled by nonsense. There will be times that you will feel as if you are wearing a target that the Enemy is taking aim at. The ones who are your closest teammates can often be the ones who wound you the most. Keep your head up!
This will be done by keeping your eyes toward the prize that Jesus Christ has made possible. Keeping your eyes on Him will be what pulls you through! When everyone else fails or disappoints, trust that He will never fail or disappoint! Trust that He will pull you through! Keep your faith no matter the circumstance! Keeping your head up, and eyes on Jesus will detour you from questioning the worth of your service.
Second, understand life is about choices. Your choices build your reputation, and your reputation is what enters the room before you even walk in the door. I pray that what goes before you is a reflection of Christ Himself. Be loving, be sensitive, be kind, be compassionate, be cautious, be a man worth following, be surrendered, be bold. Being these things keeps you from being that guy who people think is a jerk, argumentative, unapproachable, weak, intolerable or a “bull in a China shop”. Think how your choices affect not only your walk with the Lord, but those who serve with you and those who could potentially serve with you for Him.
Third, don’t be afraid to partake in the joys of life!
Oh ya, love your wife, be a part of your children’s lives, and be a hard worker!
Love you bro!
Matt Wheelock