EVERYTHING WE NEED: The Race to the Finish

      Like marathon runners in a race to the finish, we are also in a race, but it is a spiritual one. A serious athlete trains diligently so he can cross the finish line and claim the victor’s prize. To be successful in his run, he must be committed, determined, self-controlled and not allow anything to weigh him down or get him off course. He has certain rules he must follow if he hopes to reach the goal before him.

      The Apostle Paul tells us that we must “endure hardship… like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs… Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor’s crown unless he competes according to the rules” (II Tim. 2:3,5 NIV). We, too, have guidelines that must be followed if we desire to finish the race well and receive the reward promised us. We are not running to be saved because we already are saved.

      In Hebrews 11, we have a list of great heroes of faith. Using them as examples, the writer says, “…let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us” (Heb. 12:1 NIV). So many things, not even sinful, can hinder our race. We are meant to enjoy life — singing, reading, vacationing or even having hobbies. They become hindrances if they are made a priority over serving the Lord faithfully.

      The sin that easily entangles us is different. We all have a sin with which we struggle. It could be an addiction of some kind, a bad habit or attitude. Maybe it is having difficulty controlling the tongue or resisting evil temptation. These things will get us off course or even halt us completely if we don’t deeply desire to get back in fellowship with the Lord. We are admonished to “put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed…you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander and filthy language from your lips” (Col. 3:5,8). How can we accomplish this? Only with the Lord’s help through the aid of the Holy Spirit. Paul says, “…walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh” (Gal. 5:16).

      We are “to fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him, he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” (Heb. 12:2-3). We have no greater reason to persevere.

      Paul says that athletes train diligently. “…They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever” (I Cor. 9:25). Their crown was a wreath placed on their head. It would soon dry out and be thrown away.

      Paul said in Acts 20:24, “I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me — the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.” He ended his race with confidence: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day — and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing”(II Tim. 4:7-8).