Hebrews 12:1 tells us to, “…lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and … run with endurance the race that is set before us.” The Bible compares the Christian life to an athlete in a race. It also tells us that there is only ONE WAY to get into this Amazing Race; we must be “born again” (John 3:7). Our enemy, Satan, tries to keep everyone out of the race, but once you’re in the Amazing Race, all Satan can do is try to get you to STOP running, pointing our attention to “other stuff” instead of running the race with all our heart.
After we enter the Amazing Race, Hebrews 12:2 reminds us that we must fix our attention and focus on Jesus, the “author and finisher of our faith.” Paul told us in 1 Corinthians 9 that he needed to discipline his body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. He also mentioned that his greatest fear was being disqualified, in other words, being DETOURED from the race and losing his effectiveness for the Lord’s work.
The most difficult part of the Amazing Race is YIELDING to the Holy Spirit and allowing Him to direct our paths. There are millions of people around the world that have never heard the name of Jesus Christ. It is important that we get as many people as possible to join the Amazing Race while there is still time. If we are not able to go to the foreign mission field to run the Amazing Race, we must be willing to send those that have trained to go. Regardless of us GOING or SENDING, the Apostle Paul encouraged us to, “press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 3:14). Remember that all athletes practice strict self-control. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize.
On Your Marks, Get Set, GO!
1 comment:
It definitely is an amazing race. . .one that we should all run. Focus is key. As you said, we tend to lose focus of the goal. Satan is always within arms length. . .he can derail us if we as Christians allow him to do so. . .
But, this is not always the case. At times we slow down, not because of focus, but because of outdated strategies. We must update our strategies with the change in culture. I see this a lot with specific church denominations. Their way of running the race is outdated.
As long as they are within Biblical limits, strategy changes can have positive results.
I hope and pray that your congregation, especially those members that are older and maturer in age (which I know you have a lot of), are supporters and defenders of your decisions and not just stumbling blocks to your approaches.
Friend of the Church...
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