Running the Race

Throughout the New Testament, a Christians walk of faith is equated to running a race. With the Olympics here, I couldn't help but think about what it means to run a race. I don't know about you but running is a word that in normal definition doesn't fit too well into my vocabulary. Running is not my thing. I can handle aerobics or weight training and even some fast-paced mall walking. But running has always been a struggle. I don't even like to watch people run.

Despite all of that, I'm left asking myself, how would our lives be changed if instead of walking in our faith, we were running in it? If we actually pressed forward with all eyes on the prize, running, holding our baton (the Word of God) out for the next sprinter to grab hold of and run; advancing the Kingdom one runner at a time. Could we take home the Gold?

Paul said, "I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings. 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." (I Corinthians 9:23-25)

Ladies, if we are running for a crown that will last forever shouldn't we be running with all our strength? Shouldn't we be so set on this crown that we run like we have never ran before? That we push forward not looking back, taking our faith with such a seriousness that our spirit and energy becomes so contagious, people can't help but see Christ in us?

We should want with all our heart, mind, body and soul to be like Paul, to run our race, not just walk it. So that like Paul we can say "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." (2 Timothy 4:7-8)

I was recently emailed the testimony that follows so that I could put it in our newsletter. However, I believe it is a perfect example of running the race to which we have been called. The author is unknown, but is believed to be a young pastor in Zimbabwe who was martyred for his faith in Jesus Christ. It was found in his study:

I'm part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have Holy Spirit power. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I'm a disciple of His. I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still.

My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I'm finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheap living, and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need pre-eminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by power.

My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way rough, my companions few, my Guide reliable, my mission clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

I won't give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, preached up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus. I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops me. And when He comes for His own, He will have no problems recognizing me. My banner will be clear!