Running the race

By Bethany May 26, 2014 Character, Devotion

As the runners came around the corner of the track, I could see my boy was in last place of the four runners. I positioned my camera as he came by and snapped a couple of pictures, cheering as he headed to the finish line. We met up with him as he went to get a drink of water and told him he did a good job.

Later when I looked at the pictures, I noticed his face full of determination. He looked as if he was giving every ounce of effort in his body towards the race. He was putting his all into it as he neared the finish line, and I thought it was neat that I could see that in his face.

I was so proud of his effort, even if he didn’t win. He gave it his best and had a good attitude about it. Something we’ve tried to instill in him is to always do your best, whatever you are doing.

Do we live our Christian lives in that manner? As Christ followers we are all in a race to Heaven. We will all be winners when we arrive of course, but I wonder… how are we doing as runners? Do we give this time on earth every ounce of effort we possess, or do we just do enough to get by day to day? Do we think it depends on us to help others reach Heaven, or do we think that is someone else’s duty? Do we pass by the hungry because we are too busy to make the effort to use a little extra time and money to reach out to meet these needs? Do we spend less time than we should on the things that are really important in this life and fill up our time with other stuff that makes us feel tired and stressed all the time?

“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 someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” I Corinthians 9:24–27

As I have pondered my son running his field day race, I have been thinking I how I’m doing in this Christian race. I want to give my best effort in sharing God’s love with others around me as I journey towards Heaven. I want to make a difference and do my best each day.

“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, fixing 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 sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:1-3

I encourage you today to keep running without giving up. Be persistent and do your best, always remembering your end goal.

Have a day of blessings!