Finishing Well, Part 2

Dr. Robert J. Clinton of Fuller Theological Seminary has studied over 4,000 biblical, historical and contemporary Christian leaders and has determined that not all leaders finished well but there were some who did. Of those who finished well, what qualities did they exhibit?

(If you are a former student of mine you will know that Clinton originally had six keys to finishing well but I determined that a seventh key was necessary. I’ve also taken the liberty to wordsmith the terminology for easier memorization.)

Leaders who finish well…

…are Connected to God. These people have a vibrant relationship with God throughout their whole lives, even when they struggled with God. They have a strong intimacy with the Lord along with His presence in their lives and ministry. Daniel stayed connected to God as he was exiled to and probably died in Babylon.

…are Constant Learners. They maintain a learning posture. They are lifelong learners who are constantly learning from the Holy Spirit as He speaks through His Word, people, circumstances, impressions, and resources. Paul was a lifelong learner, even requesting the parchments in his last epistle.

…exhibit the Character of Christ. They walk in godliness or in a Christ-like character evidenced by the fruit of the Spirit. As they press closer to the Lord there is a constant filling of the Holy Spirit where they experience a victorious Christian life. This is detailed in Peter’s life in the book of Acts.

…are Convicted by the Bible. The have the conviction that God’s promises and truths are real. They live their lives understanding that the promises of God are true and thus live accordingly. Joshua exhibited this as he led the conquering of the Promised Land.

…sense a Completion of Destiny. They understand that God has a call for their lives and live to complete that call. Moses in the early stages of his life knew he had a destiny to lead the Hebrew people out of slavery and lived to fulfill that destiny.

…leave a Contribution that Lasts. They do this in various ways: modeling a life or ministry style others can emulate, have children who walk with God carrying on a Godly-heritage, a productive ministry with either small or large groups, apostolic ministries, society change-agent, creative innovations and breakthroughs, beginning or stabilizing an organization, researcher, writer or promoter. David contributed at least 73 psalms. Whatever it is, leaders who finish well leave something for the next generation.

…are Controlled by the Spirit. They are sensitive to the impressions and movements of the Holy Spirit and act accordingly. They are sensitive to sin as the Holy Spirit reveals it and deal with it as soon as possible. They are sensitive to the voice of the Spirit and obey even if it doesn’t make sense. This seventh key works in conjunction with the fourth one, Convicted by the Bible, for the Holy Spirit will never contradict His Word.

Connected to God – vibrant relationship with Him
Constant Learner – maintaining a learning posture
Character of Christ – having a Christ-like character
Convicted by the Bible – trusting God’s promises and truths
Completion of Destiny – fulfilling one’s call
Contribution that Lasts – leaving something for the next generation
Controlled by the Spirit – sensitive to the Holy Spirit

Rarely will any one leader have all seven keys, but leaders who finish well will exhibit many of them. Will you be a leader that finishes well?

Questions to think about:
What do you think are the ramifications if you only exhibit only one or two keys?
Of the seven keys, which two challenges you the most?
What are you going to do in the coming days to move positively towards those challenges?

© Gary Lau 2011
All rights reserved. This article may not be distributed, forwarded or duplicated without prior permission from the author.


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