Finish strong

Finishing strong is something we hear about often in Chi Alpha as a quarter or school year comes to a close. If you watched the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, you probably understand this concept well. Usain Bolt won the 100m easily and set a new world record. But, he started celebrating before he crossed the finish line and thus slowed down before he finished. While we celebrated his tremendous accomplishment, there was a lingering question that remained... "What if he had run all the way through the finish line and celebrated afterward?"

Life isn't about doing well for a while. You've worked hard all year, but keep sprinting all the way through your last final exam or you'll probably look back with some regret thinking, "what if..." UCLA has some of the greatest students in the world, so maybe with easing up a little you'll still get an A and no one will know any better. The bigger perspective, though, is that you will know. True excellence is choosing to do your best even when you can coast and take it easy.

Unfortunately, no matter how many great decisions you make, it's that one bad decision that people will remember. As school ends and you head into the summer, keep making great decisions - in your classes, your job, how you spend your time, and most importantly, how sincerely you pursue the things of God.

Jesus is the ultimate example of finishing strong. He had done all things well, fully knew the suffering he would endure, and yet still willingly went to the cross. He gave everything for you. Honor him with all you have - both now and always. There is no summer break from a relationship with Jesus.