“But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” Acts 20:24 (NKJV)
It’s easy to begin something new. When I start something new, I am excited with anticipation of what will come. Maybe it’s a new diet or exercise program, a new job, or a new relationship with someone special. There is always a sense of eagerness about a fresh beginning. But the excitement can wear off when we get hit with disappointment, failures, setbacks, or distractions. The challenge is not just to begin well, but also to finish well.
In the verse above, the apostle Paul talks about a race. He is referring to the journey of Christians from the moment of salvation until the moment they see their Savior face to face. Has your relationship with Jesus lost the initial enthusiasm you felt? None of us wants that to happen. The apostle Paul did not want that to happen to the elders in Ephesus. He wanted them to sprint across the finish line in victory.
“I’m Just Sayin”, as believers, our focus ought to be on the prize: eternal life with Jesus. That’s why we shouldn’t pause mid-race and lose sight of the goal. Yes, there is pain and weariness, but those things won’t matter when we cross the finish line. In Paul’s letter to Timothy, he declared, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7 NKJV).
Sometimes our priorities become muddled with desires of the world, and we may not look much different than an unbeliever. This is not the race God has called us to run. What really matters is spending eternity in heaven with our Savior. Paul’s race was a narrow path compared to others. Yet, how far do we ourselves wander from this narrow path? Jesus is calling us to finish strong and stay on the narrow path.
Sometimes our priorities become muddled with desires of the world, and we may not look much different than an unbeliever. This is not the race God has called us to run. What really matters is spending eternity in heaven with our Savior. Paul’s race was a narrow path compared to others. Yet, how far do we ourselves wander from this narrow path? Jesus is calling us to finish strong and stay on the narrow path.
Think About It…
Chaplain Answai T. White, B.S., M.Div., C.P.E.
