A Worthy Goal!

As I was walking back to my office yesterday, I caught up with a woman I have met and talked with on several occasions as I have walked around town. As our paths crossed she suggested I should enter the Rhody Run (an annual Spring event that is both run and walked). I remarked I would love to, however, since it was held on Sunday mornings that did not work with my schedule as a preacher. She commented that she had walked it one year, acknowledging her pace was much slower than mine, nevertheless her goal was to FINISH and that she did. My response was that such was a worthy goal.

Life is a race. Some refer to it as a “rat race.” But it is a race we need to press on with to the FINISH. Our paces may not all be the same, but the worthy goal is to make it to the FINISH line and crossover. This was the worthy goal of Paul.

Talking to the Ephesian elders, Paul stated…
“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.” ( Acts 20:24
ESV)

The Greek word translated “course” is “dromos”, which (according to Vine ’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words) refers to a running or a race (from “edramon”, to run) and is used metaphorically to suggest a career, course of occupation, or life. Paul’s goal was to stay on course and FINISH the race regardless of the challenges he faced. He had a determination to press on to the FINISH.

We too need to “run with endurance the race that is set before us.” ( Hebrews 12:1) There are many who begin the race and either go off course running other directions and after other goals or who just quit and give up the race entirely. We need to encourage one another to keep pressing on since it is those who endure to the end that will be saved. ( Matthew 24:13)

As Paul felt the end of his life nearing, he wrote to Timothy…
“(7) I have fought the good fight, I HAVE FINISHED THE RACE, I have kept the faith. (8) 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 ESV)

The crown (Gk. “stephanos”, “victor’s crown”) of righteousness; the award for FINISHING THE RACE. That is what Paul looked forward to. But he stated it can also be awarded to us as well. To crossover the FINISH line is to be the victor because in Christ we can all become winners. May we continue to stay the course, pressing on to the FINISH where our Lord awaits us. If we don’t meet during the race I will look for you on the other side of the line.

Have a great day CONTINUING TO RUN TOWARD THE FINISH LINE!
Carl

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