At one point in the ’90s, Michael Jordan, Bo Jackson, and Andre Agassi all had an Official Fan Club, and I was a proud card-carrying member. I loved watching Andre Agassi when I was a kid. I grew up watching lots of tennis, and in my mind, no one did it better than Agassi. He was not only crazy-talented, but he had the baggy clothes, the loud colors, and the long hair to go with it. In many ways, he changed the game.
I also remember what happened in 2006. Playing in his final U.S. Open tournament, his body was giving out on him. At age 36, he was a shell of who he used to be, but he refused to let it stop him. I vividly remember Agassi’s last winning match (the 870th win of his career) against Marcos Baghdatis. It is considered by some to be the greatest U.S. Open match of all-time.
Andre needed two cortisone shots just to play. The match was close throughout but went into a pivotal 5th set where eventually Agassi grinded out the victory much to the delight of the American crowd. When he finally won, the crowd roared like a jet plane. He wouldn’t leave the courts until 3 am the next morning, and he had to be carried to his car. He had gone as far as he could. He had given everything he had left that night.
In Hebrews 3, the author draws our attention to finishing strong.
For we have become companions of the Messiah if we hold firmly until the end the reality that we had at the start. 15 As it is said: Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.
Hebrews 3:14-15 HCSB
This was the issue God had with Israel. They had started off really well by crossing the Red Sea and trusting in God. However, after wandering in the wilderness and continually doubting God, their faith disintegrated. The issue wasn’t that they had some moments of backsliding, but that they never really grew. Hundreds of years later they were still struggling with the same sinful habits.
Jesus doesn’t just expect us to start strong. In fact, the New Testament is overflowing with verses calling Christians to perseverance and endurance. Jesus’ expectation for us is fruit and we can’t produce fruit without growth. How you begin with Christ means very little if you are unwilling to persevere to the end and finish strong. So, which direction are you currently trending?