Starting something is good, but finishing it up is better

The story is recorded of an Olympic runner who participated in the Mexico City Olympics in 1968.

At 7 p.m. on Oct. 20, a few thousand spectators remained in the stadium. It was cool and dark. The last of the exhausted marathon runners were being carried off to first aid stations.

As the last of the spectators were leaving, those near the marathon gate suddenly heard sirens and police whistles. All eyes turned to the gate. A lone runner bearing the colors of Tanzania entered the stadium.

His name was John Stephen Akhwari. He was the last man to finish. His leg was bloody and bandaged, having been severely injured in a fall. His countenance displayed pain with each step. He hobbled around the 400-meter track in conclusion of the 26-mile, 385-yard race.

The spectators stood and applauded him as if he were the winner. After crossing the finish line, Akhwari slowly walked off the field without turning to the cheering crowd.

Considering his injury and no chance of winning a medal, he was asked why he did not quit. His reply, “My country did not send me 7,000 miles to start the race. They sent me 7,000 miles to finish it.”

Paul the Apostle, who finished well, said: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race…” 2 Timothy 4:7 [NIV].

It's not the start but the finish that matters.

The Rev. Paul Killingsworth serves as pastor at Yuma First Assembly.