We find two possible summary statements in the Bible for our life as a description of our walk with God.

One of them is almost like an epitaph we write ourselves. The other one is God’s assessment of our life. Every Christian would be pleased to have these two statements as a summary of his life.

When the apostle Paul realized that he would die soon, he described his life as a Christian: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith" (2 Timothy 4:7).

What Christian would not want to use similar words in describing his life?

Paul looked beyond his death to a positive future: "There is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing" (verse 8‌).

The other summary statement is actually a "welcoming statement" when we enter God’s kingdom after having served Him faithfully in this life (as the apostle Paul did): "Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord" (Matthew 25:23).

What Christian would not want to hear those words from God as he enters the kingdom of God?

We are the ones who determine whether or not these two summary statements will apply to our lives.

What did the apostle Paul do to be able to say what he did at the end of his life? "I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified" (1 Corinthians 9:26-27).

With these thoughts I wish us all a rewarding Sabbath!