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It's a Marathon, not a Sprint

Part 4

For three weeks, we've been looking at Hebrews 12v1-2:

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, 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.
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Now let's turn to Paul's example. He said this to the elders of the church in Ephesus:

Acts 20v24
... I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me - the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.

Of course, we're not all St Paul, and we're not all called to travel from country to country, preaching the gospel and planting churches. But all Christians are called to the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace. It's just that most of us are called to do this in our own towns and workplaces.

Have we caught Paul's sense of the importance of our calling? For Paul, completing the race - the task of testifying - was more important than life itself!

Recently, I've been thinking about the modern word consumerism. I wonder how much we think and behave like consumers towards our church, rather than members. How much do we think and behave like consumers of the good things of God, rather than as children of God and co-workers with Christ? How much do we think and behave like spectators of the race to testify to the gospel of God's grace, rather than as runners in the race.

I've also been struck by the fact that we are only truly fulfilled when we serve God, rather than serving ourselves.

If we're merely consumers, then we get fat and lazy and unproductive and bored.

If we train, and compete, and throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles and fix our eyes on Jesus then who knows what God can do through us? And at the end of our lives, rather than regretting the hours wasted watching the television or indulging in other profitless pursuits, we will be able to say with Paul:

2 Timothy 4v7-8
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.

I've only got one life. I don't want to waste it. I want to bear fruit for my Lord and Saviour. I want to make a difference in this world He created and died to redeem. But that takes discipline. I have to run the race for the rest of my life. And I pray that, by His grace, I will do so. The world needs the truth.