STAYING ON COURSE (THE NEED FOR SELF-DISCIPLINE)

BIBLE PASSAGE:
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one
gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone
who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it
to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that
will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running
aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike
a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have
preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
(1 Corinthians 9:24-27)

MEDITATION:
The Christian life can be likened to a race,
with a predetermined course and a finish line in eternity.
Each child of God has a personalized route
designed by the Lord specifically for him or her.

Our goal is to stay on ‘our’ track and run with endurance,
as we remember that our path can only be discerned
and navigated when we keep our focus on Jesus.
Since He ran His race perfectly and finished His course,
Jesus can show us the way (because He ‘knows’ the way).

He knows the challenges we face, because He ran a similar race
with the same temptations and distractions, and yet He overcame!
When we observe success in others (in this case, Jesus),
we know what is possible with our own capabilities.

As with any long-term race, the course is full of
obstacles which threaten to trip or sidetrack us.
Temptations lure us to what we imagine are lush green pastures,
and busyness can lead us down rabbit trails that end in exhaustion.

Worry and fear can grip our minds, and emotions can
take us to places the Lord never intended for us to go.
Our course is full of potholes which can cause us to
stumble if we fail to navigate around them.

Although sins present the most obvious hindrances,
other obstacles and detours can be more subtle.
Anything that takes precedence over our relationship
with the Lord can send us down the wrong path.

Involvement in the daily activities of an earthly life is necessary,
but if we aren’t careful, we can allow our families, jobs, and
pleasures to distract us from a wholehearted pursuit of Christ.
Surprisingly, even God’s blessings can become obstacles in the race
whenever we pursue them more than we do the Lord Himself.

ACTION:
We have to remember that the goal is not to focus on the path,
or to try and find our own way.
Instead, we’re to fix our eyes on Jesus.
He is not only our example and guide, but also our destination.
And He will welcome us home with open arms
when we finish the race and cross into eternity.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness,
and all these things will be given to you as well.
(Matthew 6:33)

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, thank You for creating a special course
for me to follow. You know how easily I can become
distracted, so I pray that You would help me to navigate
around everything that takes my eyes off of Jesus, and
encourage me to keep pursuing the path you have laid
before me. I know that as long as I stay on Your path
for me, I can experience blessings I never imagined. Thank
You Jesus for the example You have given of finishing
the race, and for what You did for me which gives me the
capability of finishing my race as well.”

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