While running a 15 kilometer road race (that’s 9.4 miles) for the first time in my life this past weekend, I thought to myself “How did I get here?” It was to my utter amazement coupled with the preparation leading up to the race, that I was overcome with appreciation for being able to experience it. Even the soreness after the race was worth it.
How might this apply to our spiritual lives? It is, of course our understanding as Christians that we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Our works are like filthy rags in His sight. Simply going to church or serving on different boards for any other purpose than it is what we are called to do, does not flex our spiritual muscles any more than the next Christian’s. Even in our suffering, we are no better than anyone else spiritually-as if it were by “our” stripes that we are healed. No, the spiritual strength we receive is of not from our experience or overcoming adversity. Our strength is in Christ, the author and finisher of our faith.
This Author compels us to “run the race” (I Cor. 9:25 [show]1 Corinthians 9:25
Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. (ESV)
) for the sake of the Gospel. Since we already possess the prize of the Good News, it is our service (diakonia) to show mercy and compassion on those who are struggling, doubting that they can finish, or do not know that there is even a race at all. “An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. (2 Tim. 2:5 [show]2 Timothy 2:5
An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. (ESV))” The rules, or Law (Torah, Ten Commandments), is fulfilled in Christ-and until we receive Christ in faith and baptism, the sweet assurance of the crown is out of reach.
May you be compelled to run the race and serve as you are so suited, and if you are struggling, may you be assured that Christ has done all that is necessary on your behalf- so you can have eternal life, salvation and the forgiveness of all of your sins. Your crown awaits.
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So where are you in these pictures?
Darkmyroad’s last blog post..Longing for the fleshpots of Egypt
I’m the one with the USA uniform at the bottom. HAHA. I wish.
Just wait till May, I will hopefully have pictures of completing my first half marathon.
Miss Melissa, when you complete your first triathlon, you will have accomplished a great deal! That sort of competition takes a great deal of commitment and self discipline.
I believe it! I’ve seen those people in action. Have you? What got you started, if so?
have you done a Tri, I mean?
“have you done a Tri, I mean?”
No, my attempts at athletics began and ended my freshman year in High School.
I suppose that for most of my life, my passion has been, and still is, learning, although the effort has always been somewhat unorganized. My most recent passion seems to revolve around the proclamation of the Gospel.
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