6. They had some kind of mentor in their lives.
These relationships weren’t always formal, but they were intentional. The pastors I’ve known who finished well always had somebody walking with them and encouraging them.
7. They lived in the Word and on their knees.
They knew the Word so well that it naturally flowed from them. Prayer was not ritual to them; it was relationship.
8. They were committed to integrity.
Their “yes” really did mean “yes,” and their “no” really did mean “no” (Matt. 5:37). Never once did I question the truthfulness of their lives or their words.
9. They evangelized regularly.
This characteristic may be surprising, but I can’t deny what I saw in their lives. These pastors wanted others to know about Jesus. Their world was first and foremost about Him.
10. Their only ambition was to please Jesus.
Some of these pastors were elected to significant denominational positions, but none of them sought those roles. Hearing “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matt. 25:21) was more important to them than hearing the accolades and applause of man.
My prayer is that you and I finish well, too. What characteristics have you seen in pastors who ran the race well?
