The Race Is Not Over Yet!

When Paul first went to Galatia, he and the message of Christ were well received. (note Galatians 4:13-14) However, something happened. Others came afterward preaching a different message which they seemed to have been swayed by very easily. (note Galatians 1:6-9) Paul wrote to redirect their focus toward Christ as their means of forgiveness and salvation.

Reminding them of their beginning of faith Paul stated. . .
"YOU WERE RUNNING WELL. Who hindered you from obeying the truth?" ( Galatians 5:7 ESV)

The word translated "hindered" is from the Greek "enkopto" ("en", in / "kopto", to cut) which literally means "to cut into". Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words notes the word as being used of "impeding persons by breaking up the road, or by placing an obstacle sharply in the path." If we consider this word in the sense of a race -- with runners assigned lanes in which to run -- a runner could be hindered by another runner leaving their lane and cutting them off. We do need to be mindful of how and where we are running as we guard against allowing others to get us off course.

We must also bear in mind that it is not enough to simply start the race, but we must continue RUNNING WELL to the finish. Anyone can start a race, but it takes determination and endurance to press on to the end. Such was the personal mindset of Paul. ( 2 Timothy 4:7) Running a race is not only about the body, but also about the mind. In a marathon a runner's body may begin saying "No" while the runner's mind has to keep saying "Yes, keep going." Paul had developed a determination to do just that. He resolved to allow nothing to stop him from RUNNING AS WELL as he could. It didn't matter what others intended to do, he would RUN ON! Even in the face of threats on his own person ( Acts 20:22-23) Paul kept his focus on the finish line.

Paul stated his resolve in these words:
"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)

Let us continue pressing on. We have not yet crossed the finish line. There is still a race to be run and distance (spiritual maturing) to be pressed on through. However, the prize will be worth the running. ( 2 Timothy 4:8) May we keep RUNNING WELL until we have come to the end of our life's race.

Have a great day REMAINING FOCUSED ON HEAVEN'S FINISH LINE!
Carl

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