Sociologists describe the race for becoming rich or popular as running a race without a finish line. A lot of energy is consumed in the process, and many years fly by without accomplishing the desired outcomes. But Christians have a different race, with an entry point, a specific track, and a finish line. The journey is clear with an ultimate destination.
Name of the Lord: The race begins with a spiritual sprint of fleeing away from sin and the world, toward the refuge of the strong tower, the Name of God. (Proverbs 18:10)
Entry point: Those who come with hope have to exercise faith in the Lord Jesus Christ to gain entry. He is the gate of entry. (John 10:9) By His death on the cross of Calvary, he created a living way through His body. (Hebrews 10:20)
Track: The Lord Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. (John 14:6) In the Way, there are also tracks. Christians are called to take up the cross and follow the Lord. The cross is custom-designed for each person. Carrying the cross is the track unique in the Way of the Lord. (Matthew 16:24) Envying other people’s cross, coveting their call, is foolishness.
Author and end: The believers to run with perseverance the ‘race that is set before us,’ keeping eyes on Jesus who is the beginner, author, or founder and perfecter of faith. (Hebrews 12:2) The Lord is the origin, source, sustainer, and gives inexhaustible strength and eternal hope to complete the race. There may be occasions of obstacles, hindrances, and exhaustion, but the perfecter intervenes to do mighty miracles.
Purposeful race: Many are like wandering stars without understanding the truth, the meaning of life, and the purpose of God’s plan in their lives. (Jude 1:13) But Christians have an aim, purpose, and meaningful race. There is a prize at the end.
Eternal destination: Christians’ eternal home is heaven. Hence, the race has a destination and a finishing line. For those without Christ, it is a race of despair.
Am I running towards the Eternal destination?