I think of the millions of unknown Christians who live unheralded lives of unimpeachable integrity and die beautifully in faith. Then I think of well-known pastors who fall into gross sin and bring dishonor upon the cause of Christ. Better live unknown and die in faith, than live well-known and die in disgrace.

As prominent pastors continue to fall left, right, and center, I’ve been thinking a lot about the verse: “He who endures to the end shall be saved” (Matt. 24:13). “To the end” are the words that haunt and challenge me. “To the end” is all that matters. If I don’t make it “to the end,” better never to have begun.

I don’t believe this is an unhealthy focus or fear. Even the Apostle Paul said: “I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified” (1 Cor. 9:27).

I think of the millions of unknown Christians who live unheralded lives of unimpeachable integrity and die beautifully in faith. Then I think of well-known pastors who fall into gross sin and bring dishonor upon the cause of Christ.

Better live unknown and die in faith, than live well-known and die in disgrace.

My new motto for the rest of my days: “To the end. To the end. To the end.”

David Murray is Professor of Old Testament & Practical Theology at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary.  This article first appeared on his blog, Head Heart Hand, and is used with permission.