Winning the Race

Chuckle: "If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving is not for you!"

Quote: “The race is not always to the swift but to those who keep on running.” --Unknown

". . . the Holy Spirit has told me in city after city that jail and suffering lie ahead. But my life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus -- the work of telling others the good news about God's wonderful kindness and grace" (Acts 20:23-24 NLT).

Have you ever considered your Christian life as a race? If so, are you content just to halfheartedly amble along and run with the pack, or are you motivated to run hard, finish strong, and win the race by completing the mission God has given you?

I'm sure you have observed runners in marathons or other types of races covering great distances and have noticed the total dedication and exertion of the runners as they compete. The Apostle Paul was prone to use such athletic events as analogies for being faithful to the task God has set before us as Christians. Even knowing the horrible things that lay ahead, Paul did not shrink from completing his mission. Drawing on this analogy, let's think about what is necessary to finish a race.

First, know the course the race will take -- where you are going. Paul knew what he had to do and kept his focus on the finish line. What marks the course we are to follow in the race of a Christian life? Well there are the five purposes of the church in which God wants us to be faithful: worship, fellowship, discipleship (becoming Christ-like), ministry (meeting needs of others), and evangelism (leading others to Christ). As you run the race, God will give you specific instructions in each of these areas. As you draw near to him, he will reveal his will for your life.

Second, persevere to the end no matter the cost -- compelled by the Holy Spirit. As the Spirit warned Paul that the way ahead would be difficult, He likewise wants us to know the course will not always be easy and pleasant. Sometimes we feel like our lives are failures unless we are getting a lot of recognition, fun, money, success. But Paul considered his life as worth nothing, and unimportant, unless he used it for God's work. What is more important to you -- what you get out of life, or what you put into it? When Jesus said, "Take up your cross daily and follow me," he implied a life of sacrifice. He expects us to endure in the race, even when we "hit the wall," and think we just can't go on.

Third, focus your attention on the finish line -- winning the race. "As for me, my . . . death is near. I have fought a good fight. I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me -- the crown of righteousness that the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that day of his return" (2 Timothy 4:6-8 NLT). Although you may not receive your share of earthly recognitions and rewards, you will be rewarded in heaven for your faithfulness. Whatever hardships you may face as a faithful Christian -- discouragement, persecution, or even death -- you have assurance of your reward with Christ in heaven.

Love, Jerry & Dotse