S P I R I T U A L   P O W E R P O I N T S

Running the Race

In Training

September 2000 - By Brooke Redwine - Staff writer

    Over 2,000 years ago a young Greek artist named Timanthes studied under a respected tutor. After several years the teacher's efforts seemed to have paid off when Timanthes painted an exquisite work of art. Unfortunately, he became so enraptured with the painting that he spent days gazing at it. One morning when he arrived to admire his work, he was shocked to find it blotted out with paint. Angry, Timanthes ran to his teacher, who admitted he had destroyed the painting. "I did it for your own good. That painting was retarding your progress. Start again and see if you can do better." Timanthes took his teacher's advice and produced "Sacrifice of Iphigenia," which is regarded as one of the finest paintings of antiquity (Today in the Word, September 1992).

    How often do we, like Timanthes, gaze at the reflection of times past in admiration or, even more frightful, view the present as so wonderful that we fail to look ahead? Every two years, in the city of Corinth, the Isthmian games were held. Paul addresses those who would have knowledge of those games in 1 Corinthians 9:15-27. He speaks of pursuing life with the future in mind at all times. Many are familiar with the verse that classifies believers as runners: "Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win" (v. 24).

    In our daily living, we must keep our purpose at the forefront of our minds–once we’ve accepted Christ, we are living for eternity. It is easy to get comfortable, to become lazy, to get involved in evil carelessly when our eyes aren’t on heaven. We must remember that we are not there yet; we are in training.

    Abraham was an Old Testament saint who had great faith and patience. Remember when God called Abraham to leave his homeland for a place unknown? Genesis 12:4displays Abraham’s (then known as Abram) diligence: "So Abram went forth as the Lord had spoken to him . . ." Remember when God told Abraham that he indeed would have a son, despite the fact that his wife, Sarah, was already 90 years old? (Genesis 17:17-19). God was faithful and gave Isaac to Abraham and Sarah a year later. Remember when Abraham was asked to sacrifice the son for whom he waited 100 years to bear? Abraham was faithful to obey God, and he was blessed for his devotion. (Genesis 22:1-18)

     Hebrews 6:11-12encourages us to mirror Abraham’s faithfulness. This tenacity for glorifying God in all pursuits is why Paul so vehemently made himself a slave to all men in hopes to save some to salvation in Christ. (1 Corinthians 9:22). In our attempts to pursue God with diligence, we need to take stock of everything we do:

• Set clear goals. Olympic athletes don’t just start with the goal of becoming an Olympian. That might be their broader vision, but each step of the way involves a faster time, a higher jump, or a flawless technique.
• Be patient. Progress takes time. When Pablo Casals reached 95, a young reporter threw him a question: "Mr. Casals, you are 95 and the greatest cellist that ever lived. Why do you still practice six hours a day?" And Mr. Casals answered, "Because I think I'm making progress.
• Be willing to take risks. God asks that we trust Him despite our limited understanding. James B. Conant writes, "Behold the turtle. He makes progress only when he sticks his neck out."
• Be persistent. If God has given you a clearly defined goal and you sincerely believe it to be His will, don’t let doubt or discouragement defeat you.
• Be flexible. Remember that the process is the greatest learning experience we have. Learn from your mistakes, and move on. Flexibility enables you to change as God changes you.