Faith should come with discipleship, which means following the Lord and applying His principles in our lives. In life, it is not important to compete, but to continue to run, as in the Olympics. It does not matter if you win or lose, it is about running, focusing on your abilities, and going on even if you are not leading or in the first place.
Notice how important it is to know the prize you are fighting for, the aim of the game. So does it apply to our lives, as well. When we focus on the Lord, we do not have time to look at the right or at the left, but straight to the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, the Author and Finisher of our faith. When we focus on God, we do not need to compete, because everybody, in the end, arrives at the same destination.
1 Corinthians 9:24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
We are all appointed to run in this life since we are born. The question is, "Is it for God? Am I on the narrow path?" Many people run without any purpose everywhere. As God's children we have a final prize.
If we keep serving the Lord and keep running, we will be awarded according to our works of faith which are the result of our genuine relationship with the Creator.
1 Corinthians 9:26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:
As a Christian you are automatically enrolled in an Olympics, so focus and give your best till the final destination. While running you would notice people forsaking the path, deviating, stopping, rejoining the competition, or even quitting. Never give up! Faith is the main nutrient which keeps you going. Do not make differences between you and other people, but it is good to be aware, watch some, learn, apply in your life. The word of God has the best instructions on how to keep the faith, the best motivation, and the greatest examples of people who moved in faith and received the prize.
Psalms 119:32 I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart.
The true God in the Scriptures is the best motivation for us to keep on keeping on. Throughout the marathon/Olympics, we might experience all sorts of situations, we might be deceived, we might be tempted to drift away (even for a season). Once in a while we become exhausted, or forget about our main focus and purpose of the Olympics, yet through God's word we are back on track, especially after diverging in different sorts of temptations. Do not think you can be perfect and maintain the same speed, or that you are the best of all, or that you won't stop. After all, we are all dust and ashes, but the important thing is not to give up.
In discipleship we are humble; God wants to see we acknowledge our failures before Him.
Job 35:1-2 Elihu spake moreover, and said,
Thinkest thou this to be right, that thou saidst, My righteousness is more than God's?
Job counted on his self-righteousness and the Lord revealed it to him by getting Job through many temptations.
James 1:12 Blessed [is] the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
Being God's disciple requires a humble spirit, a meek heart, willingness to obey His statutes. The Lord bring us back on track, or lifts us up whether we fall in pain, suffering, tears. Ask for help and He is always there. Christian, do not feel discouraged! Remember that our path is going to be full of obstacles so that we are more motivated to keep running towards the finish line as the Lord wants us to. He is trying to destroy the self-righteousness in us and make us look upon His righteousness,
Habakkuk 2:4 Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.
God encourages us that Christ is our final prize. The most important thing of all is not to win the first place or feel like you are competing, for the temptations might occur to make us deviate. Let us try to avoid as much as possible the flesh and focus on the heavenly things. Keep you mind on Christ Jesus!
Philippians 3:12-14 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
After all, in the end the most important thing of all is that you knew you gave your best to fulfill the purpose God wanted you to by giving your best in serving Him,
2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished [my] course, I have kept the faith:
So, keep running!
With godly hope,
Denisa
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