The Walk of Faith
by Jim Ratzlaff(6)Reading 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 draws my mind to what's going on at the Winter Olympics going on right at this time. We admire these athletes for their dedication and endurance. From their experience in training we coin phrases like "No pain, no gain." or "No guts, no glory." And why do they do it? Certainly not for the money, apart from a few exceptions. In referencing the Olympiad, which Paul understood from his day, he says they receive a perishable wreath. Those wreaths were made of live plant material that would soon wither and fade. All the applause and approval and cheers of the crowd would soon be forgotten.
Faith in Jesus is different. True faith produces fruit that will last. Jesus says that when one of His children live out a genuine trust in Him, positive change will begin to show in the life.
Enouragement to get on with it comes from Hebrews 12:l. There we are told to get on with the race, looking away from the coaching of this world and its values to Jesus, the originator and completer of our faith.
Our trusting faithfulness really matters. We are warned in the book of Hebrews not to neglect the great salvation that God offers us in the death, burial and resurrection of His beloved Son.
Practically, faith is taking Him at His word; believing what He says in His Word; and applying it to every circumstance and situation we'll ever face. He teaches us that if we will trust Him (that means resting His power and ability to do) He will work. But if we insist on working (trying to live life, even the Christian life, on our terms, He'll rest and wait for us to find out that it's a program to nowhere.
So let's train our faith to keep focused on Jesus. . We're in something greater than the Olympiad! God has reserved crowns for those who focus on the life to come even while we slug it out every day here on earth.
Let's live with eternity's values in view.
Article submitted Sunday, February 21, 2010 & read 721 times.
Leave Your Comments:
» left by Marijo Phelps(250)(153 days 16 hours ago.)
YES! thanks for sharing this encouragement with your readers! We can always use help with focus and fine tuning! MarijoRespond to this comment
