"Finally, I will share with you one more insight from the Greek definition for 'run.' It compels me to run more diligently, and I hope you will find it equally compelling. This word 'run' is used to compare, figuratively, the public races of Biblical times to a Christian's call to a strenuous, godly life. This race, this course that has been set for us by God Himself, which allows for the weeding out of sin and encumbrances along the way, is to be the priority of our lives. We are to become like Christ, and that will never happen if we leave our sin unattended and unchecked. This race is not intended to be for fun and games, nor for a Christian life of ease. It is for the prize, upward call of Christ Jesus! [Those who ran in the Biblical games competed for one reason: to win. They had no other motive. They ran strenuously and with reckless abandon! They removed every obstacle to gaining the prize, and ran, leaving all of themselves on the race track.]
But one thing I do; forgetting what lies behind [our sin] and reaching forward to what lies ahead [our holiness and the active knowledge of God's constant presence with us], I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13b-14).
You are nearing the end of this book [these particular blogs of excerpts from Spiritual Healing: The Surrender That Brings Victory) , but the journey of the spiritual healing of your heart is just beginning. Our hearts, tattered and ripped by our sin and our stumbling blocks, are also divided by them. But we can still run with endurance the race of which every believer is a part: the race of holiness and Christ-likeness as characterized by our surrender of the sin in our lives and by obedience to Christ, which replaces it. By enduring the race in this way, our hearts will be sewn up, and we will begin to see God 'unite our hearts to fear His name.' To have a united heart is the goal. It is the prize. Living the upward call is our spiritual healing! And now it is time to tie on your running shoes! Ready, set, GO!
INTROSPECTION
- What are you practically doing to lay aside your 'encumbrances and sin'? Are you surrendering those places in your heart daily to the Holy Spirit for transformation?
- What is currently impeding your walk that is not specifically a sin?
- What sin is satan using to attack you, seemingly from every direction, so that he can prevent you from finishing the race and being a positive influence on other believers?
- What can you do to make a course correction and run the race well?
- You have not yet endured like Jesus, to point of death. But since He has, He is your example. Are you willing to make 'enduring the journey' your life task?"
(My husband Nevin, the runner, chose this picture from many, because it portraits the struggle at hand, as well as the strength required to accomplish this run. Wasn't it a great choice?)
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