If we entered a race, we would enter with the purpose of crossing the finish line, right? For some, their goal would be to win the race… to be the one to cross the finish line first. For others, their goal would be to just cross the finish line. So, to reach their goals, they would keep running no matter what. If they get tired, they would take a short rest and then get right back up. If they tripped, they would pick themselves up, dust off the dirt, and keep going. If their legs ached, they would run through the pain. This is the heart of a true champion.
The apostle Paul likens the Christian life to a race. Paul said, “I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus is calling us” (Philippians 3:14). In Paul’s message to the church at Philippi, he’s talking about true champions… the ones running toward the finish line (which is eternity). They will run like those striving to finish the race. They will press on no matter what. In other words, a true champion is one that does not give up or become stagnant. A true champion is one that is not idle. Running this Christian life biblically is a constant…
Constant maturing! Always wanting to know more. Paul said that his ultimate goal in life was to know Christ more (Philippians 3:8). We should never be content with a little knowledge. We should always seek maturity. What does the Bible say about anger, foolishness, faith, salvation, discernment? What should I know about my words, my actions, my relationships? How should I live, work, and abide in Jesus? Peter writes in 2 Peter 3:18: “You must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Hence, true champions will always be running toward maturity.
Constant transforming! This one is even more important than knowledge. Why? Because many Christians have lots of knowledge but no fruit in their life. And knowledge alone will never show people their need for Christ. We need to let the Holy Spirit transform us to be more like Christ. Hence, the fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control – needs to become more and more evident in our lives the closer we get to that finish line. Hence, true champions will always be running toward transformation.
As I pondered this, I thought that maybe that difficult person God has brought into our life is for us… to grow us and to transform us. Maybe it’s the perfect opportunity for us to show them Christ through love, patience, kindness, and gentleness. Think about it… it’s not easy to show the difficult person the fruit of the Spirit, right? It’s easy to be harsh, snap, and show frustration when they are spewing unkind words, they’re draining every bit of life out of us, and they are ungrateful. But maybe, just maybe, God is saying… “Let me transform your heart. Let me grow in you godly character so that you can treat them like I would treat them. They need Me.”
I trust this short message gives you some food for thought as it did for me this morning. Let’s keep running the race always striving for maturity and transformation.