RUNNING A RACE

Run in such a way that you may win. 1 Corinthians 9:24b

It has become a tradition at our church to end Vacation Bible School with a massive obstacle course. One of the men in our church used to work for Tough Mudder and so has gained a lot of experience in creating difficult but obtainable challenges for the kids to complete. Every child gets a chance to run the course at least once. It’s fun to see their eager excitement as they wait for their turn. Each imagines he can go faster than the previous person. However, it doesn’t take long for that excitement to diminish. Usually by the time they make it to the far end of the yard they are breathing heavily and soaked with water from being sprayed with a garden hose. But because they are determined, every child has so far completed the course.

In the same way, each one of us is running a race. Sure, it may not involve crawling on your stomach or crossing a balance beam, but it does require a total commitment on your part. Sadly I have observed that many have eagerly started this race but when the challenges of life are encountered, a superficiality to their commitment is exposed and they quit. I have seen others remain faithful to the end. For them God has promised the reward of an imperishable wreath. Which will describe you? Will you give up or will you remain faithful to the end?

Philip Moeller