Crossing the Finish Line

​Life is full of so many distractions that it is easy to get caught up in the chaos around us.  Apparently, the apostle Paul was on to something when he said our journey through life is not a casual walk, but a race.  A race that takes preparation, execution, and most importantly completion (crossing the finish line).  Many have set out in this race, only to give up and quit for one reason or another.  So Paul admonishes us to run to win (1 Corinthians 9:24-27).  The goal is not the running, it is the finishing.  Some finish in good shape, others finish totally spent, and yet a few collapse immediately upon crossing the line- in every case, they finished! It doesn’t matter how, as long as you do.  Now, back to the distraction issue.  How do we maintain our focus?  For the answer we must go to the book of Hebrews and notice what the writer says in Hebrews 12:3, to “fix” your eyes on Jesus.  In long distant running, one of the success strategies comes from an ability of the runner to “fix” their eyes on a target, and then give it all they have to reach that mark.  As we “fix” our eyes on Jesus, it is not a casual glance every now and then, nor is it being intrigued with everything going on around us as we look for Him.  Unfortunately, neither does it suggest looking at Him an hour a week on Sundays.  No, the “fix” is a constant gaze, an almost trance like gaze; never taking our spiritual eyes off Him, knowing the minute we do, we falter.  It is amazing how much easier this race is when we just listen to what God is telling us in his word, and then put it into practice in our daily walk.  IF we are going to follow Jesus.  IF we are going to have the mind of Christ.  IF we are going to finish our race, then we must ”fix” our eyes on where we are headed, and then run the race with perseverance.   As I sit and reflect on this year, I have reached the conclusion there is nothing more beautiful than a Christian who has laid their armor down for the final time after running their race well; and having finished, they go on to receive their victors crown which the righteous judge will give them (2 Timothy 4:8).   My prayer is that you will be encouraged to run well and finish!
 
Blessings.
Lamar