Well, the Olympics will soon be upon us. I find it interesting that people will devote years and years of training for a few minute race, dive, jump, pole vault, or other competition that will last, in some cases, for only a number of minutes. It is a true picture of devotion.
What are you giving your life for? I like when Bill Johnson compares all the training that the Olympians put into their sports for a few seconds of glory. He draws the parallel that we are to live our lives in light of the time that we will stand before the King of Kings and Lord or Lord’s longing and expecting to hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” How long will it take Jesus to say that phrase? Not too long for sure, but it is for that moment, that I am to the best of my ability, living a life of obedience to His voice. How about you? I must be honest and say that sometimes I lose sight of that and begin to think in terms of “is there an easier path” or “there has got to be something less painful” or “ I am doing really well in one area, so that will compensate for this area” or some other thought that gets me focused on what it is coasting me vs. the glory that Jesus will receive. It usually happens when I lose sight of the goal.
Paul said it this way, 1 Cor 9:26-27 So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. 27 I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.
That would have to be the ultimate downer, to have preached, encouraged, and challenged others in their walk with the Lord and then having failed yourself. Keep pressing on in obedience to the call that HE has upon your life. While the time it will take Him to say, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” may be brief. It will be worth every moment!
D.O.V.E.