“Teach me, O Lord, the way of Your statutes, and I shall keep it to the end. Give me understanding, and I shall keep Your law; indeed, I shall observe it with my whole heart” (Ps 119:33-34).
It’s possible to die early but be buried late. Recall Barzillai, David’s friend, who was invited to share in the victory march back to Jerusalem and a permanent place with the king. But he demurred: “Can I discern between the good and bad? Can your servant taste what I eat or what I drink? Can I hear any longer the voice of singing men and singing women? Why then should your servant be a further burden to my lord the king?” (2 Sam 19:35). He had lost his ability to discern good and bad; his world had gone gray. He had lost his appetite to enjoy; his diet had become bland. He had lost his ear for the songs of Zion and considered himself now just a burden.
Hardening of the attitudes, premature spiritual aging, can be avoided. How to finish well? Never stop learning from Him and then wholeheartedly obeying!