"How's that Project Coming?"

Scripture Passage

Ecclesiastes 7:1-11:6

Scripture Focus

Finishing is better than starting.
     Patience is better than pride.
               (Ecclesiastes 7:8 NLT)

Observation

In chapter 7, the author of Ecclesiastes breaks out in a string of proverbial statements just like you’d find in, say…Proverbs (imagine that). Chapter 7, verse 8 has my attention.

Finishing is better than starting.
     Patience is better than pride.
            (Ecclesiastes 7:8 NLT)

It’s pretty obviously true—anybody, I think, who reads the verse would be hard pressed to argue anything different. Still, hasn’t Solomon identified two qualities/behaviors that are among the most difficult to exhibit?

I’ve started plenty of projects, but truthfully only finished a few. And there have been plenty of times my pride showed itself, but not nearly so many times when patience ruled the day. Indeed, it’d be easy to read this simple verse and let a real sense of frustration or condemnation rule the day. But here’s the thing—

Sure I’d like to be “there” or “done” (wherever “there” is or whatever “done” is) today—or at least by tomorrow! But the wisdom of this proverbial saying reminds me that impatience promotes giving up early, while patience promotes finishing, meaning each virtue strengthens the other.

So I can grow frustrated with all the times I’ve failed to finish—and increase the odds it’ll happen again. Or I can thank God for a simple reminder of the person He’s created and redeemed me to become and ask God, today, to help me towards the completion of what I’ve started…and perhaps more than that (key thought coming up!) the completion of what He’s started in me…and for patience as I move in that direction.

And here’s a bit of good news while I contemplate finishing patiently—the Bible says I can be…

“…confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6 NIV)