The End is Better than the Beginning

September 20th, 2012

Here’s one that should seem obvious but apparently needs pointing out. Here’s the Scripture:

The end of a matter is better than its beginning.*

The fact is, we like beginnings. We christen things. We have grand openings, congratulate each other. We celebrate birthdays. Anniversaries. Christmas.

It seems the beginning is the most optimistic moment of anything. In the mind’s eye it’s as good as completed, and perfectly executed. Being unencumbered by challenges and problems, I suggest celebrating right then . . . it’ll never be as pure and unsullied again.

Then comes the middle . . . the months, the years, the eons. That’s when reality sets in and nothing happens without work. Obstacles loom, doubts roar, vision wanes, fatigue sets in, enthusiasm falters, early supporters may now oppose, and new ideas seem better.

But a half finished chair is useless to anyone; so is a house only in drawings, or a journey aborted mid way. The list could go on forever.

It’s because of the difficulties in the middle that multiplied starts turn false. Its for overcoming opposition that completing ANYTHING deserves an applause! If completed WELL, a standing ovation!!

The end is the reason for the beginning. Something new now exists. In the process you’ve become bigger, maybe happier, wiser certainly.

The ends are the reason for the means.

Since this makes so much sense to us, it seems hardly worth mention in Scripture. Unless there’s also a lesson for faith. Like when the day of our death really is better than the day of our birth.

Or that Easter is better than Christmas.

Or that the end of the earth as we know it will somehow be better than Eden.

Take heart. Things may be hard in the middle, but it’s for the ends you’ve made beginnings.

And all will be better then.

 

___________________

*Ecclesiastes 7:8

Next: Where there’s Life, there’s Hope. Coming Monday.

8 Comments

  1. Pil Ho Lee Sep 20, 2012
    12:20 pm

    Thank you Hyatt. In the Lord, there’s so much hope! There’s ALWAYS hope. And it’s never too late. I love that. I marvel at how His ways are so opposite to what I’m used to, i.e. trying to save myself, I often do harm to myself.

  2. Tim MacDonald Sep 20, 2012
    1:09 pm

    Hyatt – timely words as we end one chapter and begin another! I am looking forward to looking back and seeing all of the completions that God will allow us and others.

    Thanks again for the opportunity last night – love that group of people!

    • Hyatt Moore Sep 20, 2012
      1:36 pm

      Tim, All admiration and respect from us as you and family head out for a new life work in China, after many successes in the Americas.

  3. Norm Sep 20, 2012
    5:58 pm

    With the passing of now two parents between Alison and me just a few weeks apart, we’ve both been wrapped up in beginnings and endings. The thought of each of them released and pain-free fills me with a hope that I can barely contain. It’s funny how we’ve come to term beyond this life as afterlife. When you think of it, this should be called the “beforelife” and next is, well, life. With all of its crazy beginnings and endings, this mix will someday end for all of us, with the grand Beginning to follow. Heaven’s not that far.

    • lisa hoyt Sep 21, 2012
      2:42 pm

      Norm, how lovely and amazing are your comments, always! I look for them! I love how you put that this life should be called the “beforelife” and heaven our “life”! I love this. I think, in conjunction with what Hyatt is so wisely saying here about the middle getting us down a great deal of the time, as we try to accomplish things here and get to hopefully victorious “ends!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”——– that we must not loose hope in the whole process of life! To keep life and the whole of life in perspective! I surely try and reminders help so much! Things beautifully articulated are gifts! Thank you for your articulated gifts along with Hyatt’s! Best! Lisa

  4. marty peet Sep 21, 2012
    10:08 am

    Loved this message. It’s not only insightful, it’s delightful.

    By the way, if you have any new Christian friends or
    “seekers” in your life, I highly recommend Chip Ingram’s
    WHY I BELEIVE series. livingontheedge.com It’s anincredible five hours of truth, presented in a most
    compelling and wonderful way.

    • Hyatt Moore Sep 21, 2012
      2:56 pm

      Welcome, first time commenter. And thanks for the recommendation. And the invitation to do a workshop someday in Jackson Hole. Who knows?

  5. Pastor Adam Barton Sep 21, 2012
    11:53 am

    Thank you Hyatt!

    Yes, true with our Christian journey: We love beginnings, hate middles, and don’t believe enough in endings.

    Pastor Adam Barton
    Akron, Ohio