Walking in a Race

I was sitting and thinking about life and its scope, reflecting on the fact that life is not a dash, but is more of a marathon or perhaps even steeplechase of marathon length. Through life we encounter many obstacles just like in steeplechase.There are barriers to get over and water to go through. The barriers are of varying heights and widths, meaning some are jumped over and others are "climbed." Some jump over the water and others just run through it.

All of us are running the race of life, but we do not all run the same course, nor are we all facing the same challenges at the same time. Also, we have different styles and skills, so none of us will not navigate the course in similar manner. We can offer assistance and advice, but we need to be very cautious about telling others how to run their race of life.

Hebrews 12:1 (KJV)
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

1 Corinthians 9:24 (KJV)
Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.

Philippians 3:14 (KJV)
I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.


2 Timothy 4:7-8 (KJV)
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. 

In most of these passages, when the race or the running of the race is discussed, it becomes apparent that the race is not a thing of pleasure and leisure. Challenges (trials and tribulations) will come to all of us; the goal is to be able to say as Paul did, "I have fought ...

The goal in life is not to finish first, but rather to finish well. Let each of us run well that we might finish well.

Walking at Night

Well, I turned half a century + 2 about two weeks ago and  as usual, slept the day away. Of course, that is what I do with most weekdays, especially Tuesday through Friday. As I took some time to reflect and ponder some thoughts on the Christian and his walk in a world that is antagonistic toward his beliefs.

• Living with a Christian worldview in a dark, dark world. Ungodly behavior has become so commonplace that it is now considered the norm. For the Christian, our life can and should be a bright light in this dark world, but that is only possible when we live according to the life principles found in God's word. We get so concerned with our desires and our lives that we tend to act and react according to man's way, not God's way.

• Living with a purpose in the midst of the difficulties and struggles of life. Suicide rates are up, especially among teens and young adults. One of the primary reasons is that so many people live with no sense of purpose beyond themselves. What is it that drives you? What drives me? We were created to glorify God, but to do that we need to seek out chances to serve. We do need to remember that we serve not for the sake of serving, but to minister to those that God loves and share His love with them.

• Living with value in a world that devalues life. The world that we live in has reduced or removed the value of life. In a land where abortion has become commonplace, should we be surprised when there are so many other displays of self-centeredness. It could be assisted suicide, it could be as common as unintentional rudeness that pushes through the crowd or runs the red light regardless of the possible tragic consequences.

• Living a life of gratitude in a world of self-centeredness. As we navigate this world of selfishness and self-centeredness, it becomes easy to expect and demand our way and our rights. The life of the Christian should instead demonstrate gratitude and thankfulness, whether for the great things or the mundane. Every gift, however its magnitude, is a gift from God and we need to express our thanks. Usually, God uses others to meet needs and provide those gifts and to them we should be thankful as well.

• Living a life of forgiveness in a world of bitterness and hurt feelings. Our hurts are nothing compared to our sin against God. Am I truly dead to self? If so, I cannot be offended, as a dead man feels no sense of pain and hurt. When we are hurt, in order to be sure that we are not going to suffer from bitterness and hurt, we need to initiate forgiveness immediately. Christ, as he was hanging on the cross, proclaimed forgiveness to his tormentors even without anyone to nudge him to do so. Forgiveness is a key component of the Christian character.

• Living a life of generosity in a world of selfishness. In this world that tells us that we need to gather unto ourselves, Christians should do the unusual and give, rather than get. God never condemns riches, but it is obvious in the Word that he condemns those who make getting riches their life's purpose. When God allows us to have stuff, the stuff should be used to be a blessing to those in need. God, who owns all, gave the greatest gift possible when he sent his son Jesus Christ to offer mankind forgiveness of sin and all that comes with it.

Living the Christian life is far more than attending church, giving to the poor, or serving in a soup kitchen. The Christian life is a 24/7/365 activity that requires us to know the Word of God and the way of God and then to live following that Christ set for us.

Walking with a Christian Worldview, 8 (final lesson)

Well, here is the final lesson in the series. It is a review/wrap-up/resource list all in one. I trust that you have enjoyed the series. I will not be teaching for a couple of months, so no new lessons will be posted for a while.

Lesson 8 (audio)

Lesson 8 (notes)

I will, however, try to be more consistent in posting to the blog. I run in to challenges as most days are spent in the dark as I sleep following life on the overnight shift. Oh well, life goes on.