Eyes On the Goal

I remember when I was in the 5th grade a spelling bee was announced. I decided that I wanted to win. I told my mother my desire. What did she do? She opened a dictionary and we began to practice together. I would study the words and then she would test me. Finally the day came. One by one pupils missed a word and were told to take their seats. I can still remember that feeling of excitement when I stood next to a boy in my class; just us two left in the spelling bee. A word was given. He misspelled it. I was given opportunity to spell it correctly. I did. Oh what joy!

All of us in life pursue goals. Certificates of graduation from High School. Diplomas when finishing university. Promotions when reaching levels of work proficiency. Awards for talent and skills exhibited. It’s such fun and confidence building to achieve a goal. It’s even better in our spiritual world.

The Apostle Paul encourages us in Philippians 3:14, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God Himself has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (NIV). Following God’s path for us on earth can be hard. Paul is an example of that when he reminds us that for following His faith he was arrested, falsely imprisoned, beaten, ship-wrecked, and suffered days of hunger and exhaustion. Even so, in the midst of all that he could also say, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or want. I can do all this through Him who gives me strength“ (Philippians 4:12-13 NIV). 

Every child of God is promised eternal life where no tears or sorrow exists, but we can also receive the wondrous prize of hearing Almighty God say to us, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23). We will receive rewards for remaining faithful to Him on earth. Of course it’s difficult at times. Throughout the ages Christians have been ridiculed, imprisoned and killed. 

Running our race to win the rewards promised is not easy, but oh, it is worth it! Indescribable joy awaits us. Just keep running, and let us encourage each other in our races. Just as my mother took time to help me practice to win the 5th grade spelling bee, let us encourage each other to do the same. God made us members of the body of Christ. The hand needs the foot and the mouth needs the head (I Corinthians 12:15-26). We all need each other to more effectively run our race. It is the sweetest joy to encourage, bear another’s burdens, stand with another in difficulties, speak soothing words, assure prayers are said on another’s behalf.

Let us all run to win the prize that awaits, and let us share in the joy of assisting each other to run and never give up.