The End Is Better

The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 7:8, “Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.” Solomon, the preacher, proclaims that the end is better than the beginning. Our flesh and the world often promote the beginning as better—we celebrate the new year, make signs for “grand opening,” and get excited about the first day of school. While the beginning can be good, the end is better.

The end is better because of accomplishment. It is one thing to talk; it is another thing to do. When you reach the end, you have gotten something done; and that says progress. The end is better because of growth. The journey teaches lessons that change your life, but only if you persevere to the end. The end is better because of reward. In the parable of the talents, Jesus said the faithful servants will be rewarded with “Well done, thou good and faithful servant” (Mt. 25:21), but only after they had done what the Master commanded.

Whatever the Lord has given you, continue. Don’t stop till you reach the end, as difficult as the journey can be. The end is better than the beginning.