Finish Like a King

How You End Matters More Than How You Start

There’s a difference between being a king and finishing like one.

Throughout Scripture, we meet kings who started with strength but ended in ruin, and others who stumbled early but humbled themselves and finished in honor. Their stories are not ancient history. They are mirrors for our modern journey as men.

The truth is this: Anyone can start well. Only the faithful finish well. Let’s explore the legacy of three kings, and what they teach us about finishing with purpose:

1. King Saul – The Crown Without Character

“Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has rejected you as king.” — 1 Samuel 15:23

Saul was chosen, anointed, and empowered — but somewhere along the way, insecurity and disobedience eroded his leadership. His need for approval became greater than his allegiance to God. He started with stature, but ended in shame.

Lesson: If your character can’t carry your calling, the crown will crush you.

2. King Solomon – Wisdom Without Discipline

“His heart was not fully devoted to the Lord his God.” — 1 Kings 11:4

Solomon began with glory. The wisest man alive. A builder of temples. A man who asked for understanding. But as success grew, so did his compromises. Distraction diluted his devotion, and he allowed lesser loves to dethrone God in his life.

Lesson: Gifting without guardrails leads to drift.

3. King Hezekiah – Humility That Redeems

“He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, just as his father David had done.” — 2 Kings 18:3

Hezekiah faced death, cried out to God, and was given more time. He tore down idols, restored worship, and led with courage. Though imperfect, he sought God wholeheartedly and ended with honor.

Lesson: A humble man with holy focus is a king worth remembering.

What About You?

You may not wear a robe or rule a kingdom, but you do lead. Your family. Your choices. Your legacy. And how you finish matters.

Not how loud you roar at the start, but how faithfully you walk when no one’s watching. Not how many people clap, but how many follow your example. Not the size of your crown, but the weight of your obedience. So finishing the year strong is key.

Here’s your challenge as we approach year’s end:

• Stay anchored.

• Finish the assignment.

• Repent where needed.

• Recommit where required.

• Refuse to coast.

Finish like a king, not just a man who ruled, but a man who served, stayed, and surrendered until the very end.

Best wishes,

L.B.