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In 2018, a National Football League (NFL) player retired at halftime of a game.

The late Vontae Davis, then of the Buffalo Bills, suddenly retired during halftime of a game with the Los Angeles Chargers. Afterward, Davis said that with seconds to go in the first half, he realized he should be done. “I don’t belong on that field,” he said. Even though his teammates were unhappy, the former Pro Bowler said his departure was “therapeutic.” It is not unusual to see players retire suddenly, but not usually during competition.

The book of 2 Timothy was the last epistle written by the Apostle Paul before he died in Rome. In this last letter, Paul said that he felt he had finished the work God had set before him. In 2 Timothy 4:7, he said, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Paul not only struggled his way through the fight of his calling and completed his work, but he also held onto his faith in Christ. In verse 8, he said he had earned his reward from God.

There is a reason that mid-game retirements are rare, and compared to Paul, there is a valuable lesson here. If you have committed to something, finish that something. If it is a workout for your sport, if it is studying for a test, if it is a project of some kind, complete the work.

Finishing is a reward in and of itself. Quitting before you get to the end will reward you nothing. Mostly, when you complete the job at hand, you honor the Lord.