“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:58
It is one thing to begin a race. It is quite another to finish well. The strategy for the short sprint is different than that of the long-distance challenge. On the one hand there is the sudden burst of energy, and strength, a laser focus of intent, will, and commitment of every resource, realizing that in a very short time the race will be over. There are times when, because of circumstance, opportunity, or looming opposition, the strategy for the sprint must be implemented. But even though this type of race must sometimes be engaged, there are principles that are the same as those of the long-distance course. The long-distance race is characterized by a strategy of the “measured” use of resources. Though both races are characterized by a philosophy of maximum use of one’s resources to run, there are the variables of time and the measured use of those resources. The person who would implement the principles of the sprint in his life, when his life and ministry would be long, will certainly expend all of his resources before the time. He will not attain his goal, for he did not use well that which had been entrusted to him in capacity and strength. On the other hand, the man who would run the sprint, and seek to apply the principles of the long course, will be discouraged to find that he will not even compete to win. His great goal of success, and the realization of victory, will not be experienced, for he has sought to run in such a manner that does not fit the type of course he is engaged in. Is not every Christian engaged in a race? If so, how is he to run, and win, overcoming opposition and every enemy, to finish well? And, is the race of one the same as another?
After the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ, in one of those personal exchanges that the Lord Jesus had with Peter, Peter asked the Lord concerning John the Apostle, “…and what shall this man do?” (Jn. 21:21) Jesus answered Peter saying, “If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? Follow thou Me.” (v.22) Every believer has a race to run that is particular to his or her calling. The manner in which each race is engaged in, and accomplished, is similar to all, for all run with the same blessed goal before them, to know Christ, running well until the blessed meeting with Him at last, when death shall be swallowed up in victory. So, how should all believers run, win, and enter into glory?
Simply stated, every believer must run as Jesus did. How is that? There was first the calling, the moment when the individual believer committed himself to God for the accomplishment of His will for their lives. This singular moment, with regard to the mission of Christ, was revealed when He was baptized, the Father anointing His Son for His ministry by the Spirit. The moment a person comes to Christ is the beginning moment of the race. It is that moment that he is placed into Jesus Christ, and the testimony of the Spirit is upon him. He has received the anointing of the Spirit. (1 Jn. 2:27) The believer’s life in Christ, having begun by the Spirit, will be lived by the Spirit of revelation, power, and love, with the knowledge of, and submission to Christ. To follow Christ is to run the race. For some it will be a sprint, for others a long course. In both types, which sometimes are experienced more or less in all believers, God is actively present, providing for every need. So, with eyes “looking unto Jesus,” the runner lays aside all care, the weight of every burden. He deals with all sin as it manifests itself. Christ’s patient endurance by the Spirit becomes essential.
Dear Father, Give us Christ’s balance. In Jesus’ name, Amen.