Living a Spiritual Life: Finishing Well

This is a guest post by my wonderful husband, Mark Hagerup, about living a spiritual life, or more specifically, finishing well:

Some 4000 years ago when the internet was yet in its infancy and twitter was confined to the bird population, Abraham received a “text” message from his brother Nahor’s family, whom he had not seen for decades: “Behold, Milcah also has born children to your brother Nahor.” (Genesis 22:20)

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This earthshaking news was apparently a comprehensive report of Abraham’s only living brother’s family.

But this news, dwarfed by the avalanche of information we might expect today including instant photos, was significant because Nahor ‘s granddaughter, Rebekah, would be singled out from a pool of candidates to qualify as a wife for Isaac, to whom “he (Abraham) has given all that he has.” (Genesis 24:36)

Isaac was indeed wealthy, but more importantly, and despite his flaws, was sole heir to God’s promises.  Just like Abraham, don’t we desire that our children marry well and live consequential lives for God?

I often ask myself, now in my late-60s: has my own life been of consequence to God?

At our church, we men are challenged to ask ourselves:  “Am I spending my available time and energy ruling my family well by serving and nurturing them?  Am I influencing my workplace and community for God?  Or, on the other hand, have I grown complacent, wasting time on useless pursuits? Am I living my life on purpose?”

Here now are some brief Nahor-like “tweets” from me:

Amy has now logged 11 years promoting health and wellness, through Shaklee health products and a healthy life style.   Medical costs in America consume 1/7 of the country’s gross domestic product.

Reducing costs related to bad health habits alone could tame the federal budget deficit and make “fiscal cliff” negotiations a moot point!  I believe God is using Amy’s work to significantly help people improve their health.

I am in my 13th year fabricating metal.  The relatively small shop where I work is home to machines, tools, grinders, and 8 men working together as a team, with bursts of laughter and smiles punctuating the day.

Together, Amy and I also spend time encouraging others in their walks with God.

Kinza has distinguished herself in music and piano. She is juggles three jobs and is sought after as a pianist for different performances and private recitals.

Colette is married now and mommy to our 14th grandchild. Her people skills and interest in children help her to excel in her job as a child care provider and 4 year old kindergarten teacher.

We are very proud of Ben & Elizabeth, and Jason & Deeanne’s influence on University campuses in Pennsylvania.  Most young people make life choices that guide the rest of their lives during college years.  We have found students involved with DiscipleMakers to be of refreshing, faithful character before God.

Heidi and Wayne’s lives are equally consequential in an incredibly wide circle of relationships through which they touch lives deeply.

Nahor also had a grandson named Laban, Rebekah’s brother.  He was of nominal faith, a cheat in business, a deceiver.  Though from a family of faith, his latter life was marked by ruin.  His daughters, Leah and Rachel, would “build up the house of Israel,” while Dad fumbled the ball and lost the game in the 4th quarter.

Before God, this Dad wants to do better!

First published: Feb. 2016

Updated: Feb. 2020

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Author: Mark Hagerup served as a missionary for 27 years, a pastor for 5 years, and is now a metal fabricator. He is the father to 5 and papa to 15. Mark is an Old Testament scholar who enjoys relating the Bible to living a spiritual life and finishing well.