Running, Winning and You!

If you’ve ever watched a foot race, you noticed that all the runners burst away from the starting block with great enthusiasm, energy and speed. Even so, only one person actually won the race.?What happened to the other runners?

There are several explanations. Perhaps they grew tired. Perhaps they made some kind of technical mistake. Maybe they lost their ardency. It could be that they suffered an injury.?Whatever the reason, these runners ran . . . but they did not win.

If you are a Christian as?you read this post, how do the actions of runners in track and field speak to your actions as a disciple of Jesus on the mission field? The apostle Paul gives us insight into this question. He wrote,?“Do you not know that those who run in a race?all run, but only?one?receives the prize? Run in such a way that?you may win”?(1 Cor. 9:24, NASB, emphases mine).

That’s the key, friend:?every?Christ follower (or those making their way to Jesus) must?determine?in his or her heart?to be a spiritual?winner, regardless of the cost. With that fact in mind, let's step back a moment to think about that "winner."

In terms of running to win in Jesus, how many persons have “burst away” from the starting block of the baptistery with jarring zeal and energy ...only to lose the race? How many seasoned believers?have served in the church for years but now do nothing (or next to nothing) because?“I did my part and it’s somebody else’s turn”??How many Christians were dedicated to and reliable regarding the Lord’s work?prior?to the COVID-19 lockdown but are now demonstrating neither dedication nor reliability?following?the lockdown?

Every Christian in the instances above ran...but they did not?win. And if they refuse to "correct their form" (Acts 3:19), they will lose . . . forever (2 Jn. 1:8). But the good news as you read this post where you are is you don't have to be a loser, beloved. You can avoid that sad eventuality by committing to do more than beginning the race of righteousness; commit also to?winning it!

Want to talk more about it??Feel free to?contact us here.?And if you are in the Richmond area,?come?worship with us?at 813 West Broad Street this?Sunday morning at 10:30 (Bible classes for all ages at 9:30). Onsite or?online,?you will always experience a warm welcome and encouraging, relevant word from the Lord at the West Broad Church of Christ.?We certainly hope to see you soon!