The finish line. The goal.

I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14

For the one who sows to his own flesh will reap destruction from the flesh, but the one who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit. Let’s not become discouraged in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not become weary. So then, while we have opportunity, let’s do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith. Galatians 6:8-10

But as for you, brothers and sisters, do not grow weary of doing good. 2 Thessalonians 3:13

Can we get so caught up in the ‘doing’ that we allow ourselves to be weighed down by all of the ‘work’ of the religious life?

What did Jesus say to the Church in Ephesus?

‘I know your deeds and your labor and perseverance, and that you cannot tolerate evil people, and you have put those who call themselves apostles to the test, and they are not, and you found them to be false; and you have perseverance and have endured on account of My name, and have not become weary. But I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Therefore, remember from where you have fallen, and repent, and do the deeds you did at first; or else I am coming to you and I will remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent. Revelation 2:2-5

While we run, and while we strive towards the goal – where is our focus? Do we constantly go back to our relationship with Jesus and search our hearts towards Him? Is the goal about the ‘work of the ministry’ or the ‘work and service’ in the ‘Church’ or is Jesus the real passion and mark? Have we become weary because we have left our ‘first love’? Are we so focused on the circumstances swirling around us – we forget to spend any real time with Him? Not in a ‘religious’ mode – but in real heartfelt prayer and conversation with Him. How important is it to keep that (Him) as our focus … daily, as we ‘run’?

As we close in on our ‘finish line’ does the race get easier? Are there any runners out there that understand? The miles just before the finish line are the most grueling part of the race. It almost becomes a total mental battle as the body is ‘spent’, and now you are literally ‘running on fumes’. Life doesn’t get easier as we mature and grow older. So… what are we to do? Go back to what we did when we first fell in love with Jesus. Spending time with Him – whenever, wherever, throughout our entire day.

This ‘race’ is becoming more difficult. The finish line isn’t on a downhill portion. It is truly uphill with many twists and turns. But like Paul we must press on towards our goal … with every step. It takes perseverance and endurance, and a determination of heart and mind. Always nurturing our love for Jesus with every move we make.

Father – give us our daily Bread. Jesus – YOU are our daily Bread! Holy Spirit – show us how to eat our daily Bread. How do we consume Jesus each day? Holy Spirit we need YOUR power to complete this race. Help us Lord!