“It’s not that I’ve already reached the goal or have already completed the course. But I run to win that which Jesus Christ has already won for me. Brothers and sisters, I can’t consider myself a winner yet. This is what I do: I don’t look back, I lengthen my stride, and I run straight toward the goal to win the prize that God’s heavenly call offers in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:12-14).
The first time my daughter ran a cross country race, she told me, “I just want to be in the top ten.” When she came home with a smile on her face and the first-place trophy in her hand, she added, “Well, I really wanted to win. I just didn’t want to be disappointed if I didn’t.”
All over the country people run to reduce stress, stay healthy, and simply because they like it. Some people, like my daughter, run because they want to win.
The apostle Paul looked at his life and his faith like it was a race. He knew Jesus had already run the race for him—and won the race for him—yet Paul didn’t claim victory yet. Like a cross country runner, he stayed focused on the finish line and didn’t look back. Instead, he stayed focused, wanting to hold that trophy.
You are in a race. Don’t get distracted or slow down. Finish strong.
Chomp on this!
What are some things that can distract you in your race?
How can you focus on the finish line of heaven?
