Running the Race—Part 15: Finishing Well

The other night, Janette and I were watching the TV program, “Wipeout.” If you haven’t seen it, several competitors go through a series of obstacle courses, with only the top finishers going to the next level. On this particular show, one of the four finalists sounded promising, but failed to deliver. After getting tired out and frustrated on one obstacle, he quit the competition, giving up all hope for winning the $ 50,000 prize.

When it comes to the race of life, the stakes are even higher … finishing well is even more important. Along the way, we may face trials, temptations and obstacles that threaten to end our race. Sometimes, we lose our focus, and find ourselves off-track. In reality, we need all the tools and resources we’ve been talking about throughout this series just to finish the race. Above all, we need God’s strength and guidance. We are never told that this life will be easy. Do you remember Paul’s instruction to Timothy? “As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”(2 Timothy 4:5) Paul knew that Timothy would face hard times, but wanted him to finish well. Though Paul’s instructions were addressed to a young pastor, his instruction applies to all Christians. Remember, “All Scripture is profitable …”

In Acts 20:24, we hear of Paul’s dedication and commitment to the cause of Christ; “But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” Paul was faithful and persistent, even when his life was at risk. Though the “race” was often very difficult, Paul knew that all the effort was worth it. Near the end of his life, he made sure Timothy knew this:

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing. (2 Timothy 4:7-8)

To close this series, I offer this encouragement: No matter what trials, temptations, or obstacles you are facing, keep running the race to get the prize … finish well. Can you imagine the joy of hearing Christ say, “Well done, good and faithful servant?” Run well, my friend.

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

Running the Race—Part 14: Promotion

Unless you have planned a race, you probably think very little about race promotion, but this is a very important job. Somewhere along the line, someone has prepared posters and mailers to get the word out. Perhaps they have contacted local running clubs to solicit their involvement. If it were not for their efforts, there would be very few runners competing. That wouldn’t be much of a race, would it?

But, over time, word gets out. Runners see the promotional material and call their friends, inviting them to participate in the race, or perhaps run with them. Eventually, there is a sizable group, with people from various backgrounds, and with various abilities. Some may be hard-core runners, constantly looking for another race, working toward that elusive win, or just for the challenge. Others will consider it a big accomplishment just to finish the race. Yet, all assemble for the race and head out when the starting gun goes off.

Hmmm … people with various backgrounds and abilities. Sounds kind of like the church, doesn’t it? God calls people from various backgrounds and abilities to be his followers. This was the case with the disciples and it’s also the case with the people in your church. There is, however, one common tie between most of the people in the church: at some point in time, someone led them to Christ … someone spread the Word … someone shared the Good News. Who shared the Gospel with you?

While a race may have one “promoter” we are all called to be promoters of the faith. The last words of Christ before ascending into heaven (as recorded by Luke in the book of Acts) are, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." (Acts 1:8) We could also look at the Great Commission of Matthew 28:19-20 and remember Jesus’ command to go and make disciples.

If you look at the Christian life as the race of life, you could consider us all to be race promoters. Jesus gave us all the task of spreading the Word. While Christ said He would build His church (Mt. 16:18), he does it through His children. Are you doing the job Christ gave you? If not, start today. Just share the difference Christ has made in your life. Before long, you may have the opportunity to lead someone to Christ!

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

Running the Race—Part 13: Excitement

Last weekend (Friday and Saturday), we went camping with my mom and sister near Big Rapids. This was the second time we were there when they had their annual triathlon. We couldn’t have missed it if we wanted to, because our tent was next to the transition area from swimming to biking. As the people gathered for the beginning of the race, there was a buzz of excitement in the air. Family members stood ready to cheer on the racers. The racers awaited the moment they had trained for … the beginning of the race. The excitement and cheers continued until the last competitor finished the race. While I had no intention of watching the race, the excitement of the competition drew me in.

Far too often, in the race of life, we lose that sense of excitement and enthusiasm. Sometimes we are overcome by the “tyranny of the urgent” - the many things that have to get done immediately leave us overwhelmed. Other times, we may get caught in a rut; we just keep doing things, or doing things the same way, and lose any sense of anticipation in life. If we’re not careful, we will find ourselves running in circles, but going nowhere. That kind of life is drained and defeated, not victorious.

While the mundane things need to get done (it’s often part of being a good steward), we cannot thrive when our lives are dominated by meaningless monotony. Jesus didn’t come to give us life that is boring, but “life to the full.” (John 10:10 NIV) Christians, of all people, should be excited and enthusiastic! We serve a living Savior, who died that we might live, and rose again that we might live forever and enjoy an indestructible inheritance (1 Peter 1:3-5).

If we will just open our spiritual eyes and look to see where God is at work, we will have reason to be excited. That excitement is energizing and contagious. Good coaches understand this, and give their athletes a pep talk before hitting the field, court, or track. So, this is my pep talk: God is at work, we just need to open our eyes to it and get excited about it. The race of life isn’t meant to be a drudgery, but an exciting adventure with God. Remember, “...he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6) So, keep “running” with a contagious excitement for what God is doing … you never know what might be around the next corner.

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

Running the Race—Part 12: Compassion

Janette and I like to watch The Biggest Loser. While the game play can get a bit frustrating, it’s exciting to see the transformation in the contestants as they go through the program. This past season, it seemed like the contestants really wanted to see each other succeed.

One encouraging thing that we saw this season, was the willingness of contestants to help each other reach the finish line in races (walking or running). Sometimes, they would run alongside another contestant for the whole race, encouraging them to keep pushing on. Other times, a contestant would finish the race and then go back to help their teammate or another contestant. While a few contestants may have seemed heartless, others were full of compassion.

Are you full of compassion? When you see someone struggling, what is your response? I hope that you are quick to help, like the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-27). I wonder why the Priest and the Levite passed by the robbed and beaten victim. Was it apathy, disgust at the man’s condition, or perhaps fear of also getting robbed and beaten? I don’t know. What we do know is what the Samaritan felt: “But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion.” (Luke 10:33) And, that compassion drove the Samaritan to action—he cared for the needs of the injured man.

In the race of life, we will come across all kinds of hurting people. Sometimes they will be complete strangers. Other times, they will be brothers and sisters in Christ whom we know personally. The question is, how will we react? Will we “cross the street” to avoid them, or will we have compassion and minister to their needs. I hope we all choose compassion every time.

Keep an eye out for people you can help, and then take at all-important step to help them!

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

Running the Race—Part 11: Training

It would be crazy to try to run a 5 K race, or a marathon, on the spur of the moment. Without proper training, injury is much more likely, as our muscles, and our bodies in general, are not prepared for the physical demands of a race. Without conditioning and regular training, such an endeavor would result in much pain and possibly permanent damage. However, with proper training, one should be able to finish the race.

Just as a runner trains for a race, we all must train for running the race of life. The race of life has enough pain on its own, but running without proper training would only intensify and add to the pain. Proper training helps us to know our weak spots, and to be prepared to face temptation. You probably guessed it already, but the training I am speaking of is being grounded in God’s Word. Paul spoke of this in his letters to Timothy, and we would do well to pay attention:

Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. (1 Timothy 4:7-8)

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.(2 Timothy 3:16-17)

If we want to finish well, as I think we all do, we need to faithfully study God’s Word. Without the Bible, we are running the race unprepared, and will suffer much. With it, we have great hope of finishing well!
Furthermore, as runners benefit from training with others, pushing each other to another level, we are also meant to train together:

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. (Hebrews 10:24-25)

So, today’s encouragement is to train well, race well, and finish well!
In His grip,
Pastor Decker