“As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.” — John 9:4

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Kyle Allen’s playing career has taken many twists and turns through the years. He’s worn a lot of hats, but he inspires others by doing his best in whatever role he serves and persevering regardless of the circumstances. In college, he played quarterback for Texas A&M and the University of Houston. Then he went to the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted free agent. He spent time on the practice squad and occasionally became a starter. During his time in the NFL, he’s played for six different teams and started 19 games. Currently, he is the backup quarterback for the Detroit Lions.

At this point, nobody knows how long Kyle Allen will be an NFL quarterback, or whether or not he will be a starter again. As they say, the second-string quarterback is always one play away from being the starter. Perhaps in several years, Kyle may decide to go into broadcasting or coaching. Former players often end up doing any of the above because they enjoy staying close to the game they played. Occasionally, former players become volunteer coaches for their local middle or high school and may have the opportunity to develop young athletes — including their own children — into future stars.

In a similar way, Chuck Swindoll has filled many roles in his 91 years and he still serves faithfully today. Swindoll served in the U.S. Marine Corps, was a senior pastor for decades, did countless radio broadcasts, worked as a seminary professor and president, mentored many young Christians, and did it all while building a wonderful 70-year marriage with his wife, Cynthia.

Recently, Cynthia developed dementia, a diagnosis that contributed to Chuck semi-retiring. He still records sermons and devotionals as he cares for his wife, and he’ll continue sharing God’s Word until the Lord calls him home. As Jesus said, “As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work” (John 9:4).

If we look at Chuck’s and Cynthia’s lives, we see them using their time wisely, serving others and continuing to live for the Lord as long as they are able. Their endurance and determination is an inspiration. Chuck doesn’t let his disappointments or troubles make him bitter. He reminds me of Moses who kept serving with a good attitude until he was 120 years old. The last 40 years of Moses’s life were his best.

The best leaders are lifelong learners and servers.

It’s important to finish well. Salvation is God’s gift to us as needy sinners, and we should live a life of appreciation for all God has done for us. We should cling to the cross every day and point others toward Jesus, just like the apostle Paul who approached death with confidence: “The time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day — and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:6-8).

— Bill Kent, Pastor of Memorial Baptist Church, Sylvania, Georgia

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