Are you in the Race?
You’ve all been to the stadium and seen the athletes’ race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You’re after one that’s gold eternally. I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No sloppy living for me! I’m staying alert and in top condition. I’m not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself. I Cor. 9:25-27; (MSG)
The key word for us today is discipline. I know that for me that is sometimes very difficult for me to stay on track. Right now, I am working out in the gym. I did this many years ago when I was a young man. But now working out again I do not know I had so many different places that could hurt. I hurt all over and I felt like quitting but I know if there is no pain there is no gain. I need to train hard so I can get into condition and live a long and healthy life.
The apostle Paul was using this example to help us understand that we need to stay fit spiritually as well. What needs to take place for us to stay spiritually fit? To name a few; we need to pray, read and meditate on scripture, understand that we are in a battle and we must use the tools of God to win that battle, we need to resist evil and the oppressor, and we must have a heart of compassion and mercy towards the less fortunate.
I don’t know about you but at times I get really lazy. I use the excuse that I am too busy to do all of those things to keep me spiritually fit. But I know if I don’t stay spiritually fit, I am a target for the devil. I will become negative, resentful, and full of excuses for not obeying God. When this happens, I don’t even want to be around myself.
I have served the Lord for 53 years and I know that there have been many ups and downs in my life. I have had many questions which are still unanswered. But one thing I know for sure that as much as I minister to others God makes me learn the lesson first so I can teach others with knowledge and understanding. This I know, I don’t teach the Word of God because I can do everything that it states I should do. I teach the Word of God because it is true! Let’s stay fit so we can serve the Lord!