Although Gideon, the fifth Judge of Israel, was a valiant warrior and hero of Israel, the last half of Gideon’s life was not as noble as the first half. He marred his life and legacy by engaging in IDOLATRY and ADULTERY. Apparently it was easier for Gideon to remain faithful to God during a time of national emergency than it was to be faithful in simple, ordinary, every day ways. The lesson for us-it doesn’t matter how well we start; it matters more how well we finish.