Straining for the Finish Line - 1 Corinthians 9.24-27

STRAINING FOR THE FINISH LINE

Another look:

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly, I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” 1 Corinthians 9.24-27

O, how I love the partnership of the fruit of the Spirit, self control, combined with my exercise of self discipline to live a life well pleasing to God! Paul was the role model of the two elements lived out well. And, like the Olympic athlete who trains with the medal ceremony in mind, Paul was similarly motivated by the heavenly reward he would receive. Since the world just watched the Winter Olympics, the visual of the winner slightly bowing her head so that the medal could be placed around her neck is familiar. Just so, Paul operated with the vision of the Lord standing before him, saying ‘Well done, good and faithful servant’. Love that. The winners in the Isthmian Games were awarded celery wreaths, which clearly did not last. For those of us who finish faithful--we will receive a crown that will not even corrode!

Last night, I was lying awake thinking about the motivation of such living; do you first have the drive to honor the Lord with such sold-out living, or do you get that drive by making small choices, one after another, until they all add up to a life driven by God-honoring spiritual fervor? Read that again . . . what do you think?

Years ago, I was exposed to the following piece, and while not every jot or tittle is applicable, the heart behind it is so appealing to me:

I am part of the ‘Fellowship of the Unashamed.’ The die has been cast, I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ.

I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is secure.

I’m finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tame visions, mundane talking, cheap giving, and dwarfed goals.

My pace is set, my gait is fast, my goal is Heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions few, my Guide reliable, my mission clear.

I won’t give up, back up, let up or shut up until I’ve preached up, prayed up, paid up, stored up, and stayed up for the cause of Christ. I must go until He returns, give until I drop, preach until all know, and work until He comes.

And when He comes to get His own, He will have no problem recognizing me. My colors will be clear.

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ . . .” Romans 1.16 An African martyr’s last words

Do you first have the drive to honor the Lord with sold-out holy living, or do you get that drive by making small choices, one after another, until they all add up to a life driven by God-honoring spiritual fervor? I think that it is both. And certainly our season in life affects just what ‘sold out’ living looks like, at a given time. I heard from a Facebook friend the other night who has two toddlers, desiring to DO more and more for the Lord, because of her desire to be the spiritual athlete we have been talking about…. Right now, her life ought be consumed with those babies, yet she can develop spiritual disciplines at this time that will enable her to make bolder moves as her children gain maturity and greater independence. In all things, grace. In all seasons, the Devoted ought to be building spiritual disciplines that enable us to faithfully respond to the voice of the Lord, keeping in mind that great finish line.

Oh, God's Word is so rich!

Christine

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