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Jim
Peters began the 1954 British Empire and Common Wealth Games marathon at a blistering
pace. He ran the first 25 miles faster
than any person ever documented at that point in history. Then, with less than 400 meters left, he
collapsed. Over the next 15 minutes, in
a confused and almost semi-conscious state, he staggered, fell, stood, and
staggered for about 200 yards before collapsing and being pulled by the
officials. (Video of his collapse can be
seen here [7:30-8:10]).
Stories
such as this often reminds us of Hebrews 12:1b-2: “…let us also lay aside every
weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race
that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the found and perfecter of our
faith….”
And…
Philippians
3:14: “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in
Christ Jesus.”
The
reality is that our end matters a lot more than our beginning. The goal line means a lot more than the start
line.
So, are
we running to win? Are we running to
finish well? Are we running in
anticipation of hearing “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matt 25:21b)?
What
about our marriages? So much focus is
given on one day at the beginning, but what of the decades to follow? Let us live in our marriages with the long
term in view.
What
about our leadership? So much pomp and
circumstance, ceremonies and praise, surrounds new CEOs and managers, but what
of the days to follow? Let us lead to
make something that lasts.
What of
parenthood? So much patience and love
surrounds the first few weeks, but then life hits full force. Weeks, months, maybe years later, we have
fallen into poor routines where children become a distraction to our latest
sitcom addiction, requiring attention, and wanting to play. Let us model Christ in our parenting keeping their
spiritual future in mind.
What of
our spiritual life? So much passion was
shown in our lives as new believers and so much disdain for sin, but what of
future holiness? Do we let that fire
build in our lives so that the flame of God’s Spirit within us continues to
grow greater and hotter, or are we like gas thrown on a fire that has lots of
flash and heat initially but quickly vanishes?
Let us live with an increasing awareness of the impending return of our
reigning King.
Let us
finish well. Let us together commit our
lives anew every day in anticipation of Christ’s return so that we might be
found pure and blameless in the day of Christ Jesus (Titus 2:11-14).
Very good article, a reminder to us all.
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