Galatians 6:1-10

• Reflect on this passage alone or with a small group.

I recently joined a small group covering a book titled The Good and Beautiful Life by James Bryan Smith through my church family. In Chapter One of his book, Smith exclaims that the world has created false narratives of success and wrote down several catchphrases society uses to demonstrate his point. One phrase being, “nice guys always finish last.” His words struck me a little. While some may argue it’s a true statement, I, like James, say it couldn’t be further from the truth. While there may be a finish line, no one knows when or where it is. Nice or naughty, we all will finish, and the rewards aren’t based on who crossed it first.

For this reason, I take comfort in Paul’s letter to the Galatians. He says we should never grow weary of doing good, and “at the proper time,” we will be rewarded. We’ve all seen others seemingly “win” at others’ expense, but hold tight to the belief that our victory will be so much sweeter than theirs. And the real truth is this: there is no finish line for doing good on Earth. No matter where you are at on this race we call life, being the “nice guy” and doing good doesn’t stop until you drop (die). 

Cling to Christ, let him be your nourishment and encouragement as your feet continuously beat the path. Because nice guys don’t finish last, they never finish. There’s too much work to do!

Heavenly Father,

Lead me through this life, knowing that You are the only goal I must seek. Remind me that You are the sweetest reward and the sustainer of my soul as I walk the path. Help me do good continuously because You have first done good toward me. There is no finish line for my flesh, and I don’t want one. You are the finish line for my Spirit, the only one I need. Amen.