Life Lessons from 1 Samuel: The Importance of Finishing Well

It matters how you finish.

A good start is crucial, but it's the end that matters. First Samuel is a book of good starts but bad finishes. Eli was a sterling religious leader, but by the end of his life, the ark of the covenant had been captured and his two rebellious sons killed. Samuel was a prophet of God who anointed kings, but his sons also turned away from the Lord. The most dramatic example is Saul. He seemed to be the perfect choice for Israel's first king. But success led to disobed...