Via television, (like many of you). I have been privileged to observe the artistry and athletic ability of hundreds of young people as they competed in the Olympic Games. Though I enjoyed every sport that time allowed me to see, I especially enjoyed the gymnastics of the summer Olympics. Never could I have imagined myself being able to do such acrobatics like the balancing beam; especially mounting the beam from a running position of three forward flips, the last being high in the air.
Certainly, the ability to accomplish such a feat is not a natural one but comes with many hours of daily practice for months, and even years. And, of course, determination to excel is also a factor, as it is getting back up every time you fall, regardless of the pain or injury sustained.
Many are the times in our lives in which we have the desire to accomplish something of great significance. When we fail there is a tendency to give up with the attitude, “I can’t do what I thought I could do,” or “The strain and pain isn’t worth the effort.”
In his letter to the believers at Corinth, Paul likened the Christian experience to a race. He said “Do you not know that those who run in a race run all, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable. Therefore, I run thus: not as uncertainly; so fight I not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest while I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.” (1 Corinthians 9: 24-27)
In our spiritual race of life, there is a crown to be won; not some simple crown of Laurel leaves that will wither with the passing of time, but an incorruptible crown that shall never fade. We will be privileged to cast our crowns at the feet of Jesus when we stand before His Judgment Seat. We shall glorify him as Lord of lords.
Sometimes the race is difficult. There may be scrapes, bruises and strained muscles; all spiritual of course! Due to the many adversities and challenges that come against us, we may be tempted to drop out of the race. We may think we don’t have what it takes to finish the course, but success comes from deep within ourselves. I remember well my feeble attempt at running track in high school.
During training I wore ankle weights, removing them before each race, which made me feel as though I could ‘run with the wind.’
Paul, in his letter to the Hebrews said: “Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin that does so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.” (Hebrews: 1-2)
Don’t give up, regardless of any discouragement you might face. Keep running and keep your eyes on the prize, which is Jesus Christ the Lord and the wonderful gift of eternal life in heaven.
Jerry L. Dunn is pastor of Oak Street Baptist Church, Kingman.
