PRESS ON

I press toward the mark for

the prize of the high calling

of God in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:14

Been watching the world track championships this week. Brian watched anything that had to do with track and field. That was a a consistency for us from the time we got married. The older I get the harder it is for me to watch anyone lose in their sport.

There was always one thing that just irked us when it came to any of the races, be it men or women, no matter the distance. Many of the races came down to the final turn headed for the finish line. I would imagine there are coaches of the runners who grew gray hair in the process of watching their athletes headed for the finish line.

Perfect example...I recently watched a race where one runner was obviously going to win his heat. The young man in second kept looking back from side to side to see how near his competitor was to him, how much of a threat. Only the first two winners of a particular heat would go to the final race. Fortunately for the gaping young man, he did come in second which did move him into the final race. There have been times when we have seen such going on and such a runner has lost. That was always sad to watch when in reality, he should have gotten into the finals, but he was distracted.

In a sense, we believers are also in a race, a race that demands our putting our focus where it should be. We aren't in a race for any medal or standing proudly on the winners podium. Our race involves much more than any athletic event we could ever participate in on this earth. Our reward is a prize beyond measure or earthly treasure. No matter who we are whether young or old, all as believers are participants.

World athletes train vigorously in so many ways to be the best they can be. They exercise, watch their diets, get needed rest and of course, sponsorship. We have the best Sponsor in our race. We have His word to feed upon along with His promised rest. We should exercise in obeying our Coach and actively serving Him and others. Our job is to press on, aiming and focusing on the finish line. Our goal....finishing well to God's glory.

Father, help us to avoid distractions of this world that would keep us from being all for You we can be. I know I'm not racing to beat any human being. Satan doesn't want me to count for You but You are so much more than he is. Help me to stay focused on You and those things that count for You. In Jesus' name...Amen