This past Monday night, Mike Hepner and I went to a Dayton Dragons' baseball game. The most impressive thing about the game for us were our seats: seventh row, right behind home plate! From our seats I could see a baseball game in a way I never had before. I could see the ball coming from the pitcher's mound as the batter does. I could see the trajectory of balls that were hit into the outfield. I could see into both team's dugouts. These were great seats (thanks Steve).

The game was close. Both teams scored a run in the first inning, then a pitchers' duel was on for the next seven innings. Each team got close a few times, but the score remained the same until the top of the ninth inning. Lansing scored two runs and held on to win.

Few things are as exciting in sports as a last-minute victory. The walk-off home run and the last second field goal make the highlight reels. I am not a basketball fan, but even I can enjoy the last minute of a close college basketball game. I guess a last second, tie-breaking goal in soccer or hockey can be exciting (I am not convinced that people watch either of those sports).

One of the important lessons learned in sports is to never give up! Never quit! If you are ahead, don't let up - the game isn't over yet! If you are behind, don't quit - anything can happen! This lesson can be applied to every walk of life, including the Christian's walk.

I remember hearing a very discouraging comment made by an older man in a business meeting when I was a young preacher. This man told the other men to take him off the duty roster. He was a song leader, and he took his turn leading prayers and waiting on the Lord's table. He could have offered any number of legitimate reasons for wanting to be removed from the list, but his statement was, "I have done enough. I am retiring. Let the other men do it." I have never forgotten how disappointed I was in his attitude. It made me ask myself, "Who gets to retire from serving the Lord?"

Abraham set off in obedience to the Lord at the age of 75. Moses was sent to Egypt to deliver the children of Israel at the age of 80. According to tradition, the apostle John died of old age. It was in the latter years of his life that he made his contribution to the New Testament, writing the gospel and epistles that bear his name, as well as the book of Revelation. These men did their most important work well after retirement age.

In this final letter to Timothy, Paul said, "For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness..." (2 Tim. 4:6-8a). Paul didn't quit. He fought all the way through to the end. This is how the faithful finish their race. The crown of righteousness is not given to those who give up, but to those who give their all.

Those who are older have a place in the Lord's church and in His work. We need you. We need your wisdom. We need your example. We need to hear your voice when we are singing and your comments when we are in Bible class. We need your efforts and encouragement. We need to see you run all the way through to the end.

Don't give up.