Running the Race

Not that I have already reached the goal or am already fully mature, but I make every effort to take hold of it because I also have been taken hold of by Christ Jesus.
Brothers, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God's heavenly call in Christ Jesus.
Therefore, all who are mature should think this way. And if you think differently about anything, God will reveal this also to you.  Philippians 3:12-15

In our country we enjoy watching the elite, the fit athletes who compete in their discipline. In Australia we love football or all sorts. Last night their was what is called a State of Origin match between my states NSW and Queensland. Last year NSW won, last night Queensland won round one (one of three). Many who watch the games are undisciplined, non- athletic types you love to yell at their TVs telling the players how they should play. Of course they are full of wisdom, not!

In the Christian life we are called to behave like athletes, to discipline ourselves, stay focused and run the race set before us keeping our eyes on Jesus who goes before us and has already won the victory.
We can be those in the race or those on the sideline who are full of opinions but no faith. The choice is ours. Amen!

The key indicator is: are we mature? Our behaviour will show what we are. The mature behaves like Paul. Being old does not necessarily mean we are mature. How do we behave?

We must forget what is behind and press on for what lays ahead, the prize. The end is closer than we think. Behold He is standing at the door.

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