CONSIDER YOUR END

 Hebrews 13:7 NIV says, “Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.”

This scripture carries deep wisdom and a strong warning. Apostle Paul is telling us to look closely at the people we follow, not just to admire them, but to learn from their life and faith. He makes a clear difference between “the way of life” of a leader and “his faith.” The way of life means how a person lives, behaves, and handles matters daily, while faith means what that person believes is true and right before God. Both are very important, especially when you decide to follow or imitate someone. Sometimes what a leader believes to be good or true can lead to wrong results. This is because some leaders are deceived by the devil, or blinded by greed, fame, or desire for power and money. They may preach well, but live wrongly. They may teach good morals, but practice evil behind the scenes. That is why Paul says you must consider their end—look at what their lifestyle produces in the end. You must not only listen to what your mentor or spiritual father says, but also watch how he lives when he is away from the pulpit. His daily actions, behavior, and secret habits will produce his end. If a man of God lives with integrity, humility, and love, his end will be honorable and blessed. But if he lives in sin, greed, or pride, his end will be shame and disgrace. Today, we have many preachers and spiritual leaders who live wrongly. Some use the gospel to make money. Others spread gossip, create division, and disrespect others. They dishonor their parents and speak badly about other servants of God. They walk in pride, and no one can correct them. The sad truth is that many of such leaders have already faced their end—some died in shame, some lost all they had, and some are no longer known. If you follow such people, your end may become like theirs. That is why the Bible tells us to consider carefully before we follow anyone. Ask yourself, What does the Bible say about this behavior? What will be my end if I live like this? May God give you wisdom and grace to follow the right people so that you may finish well. Prayer: Lord, help me follow the right leaders and live a life that ends in righteousness, peace, and honor.