Writing on what should be the Christian’s sense of urgency concerning how or she is doing life, pastor & author, Alistair Begg, in his Truth for Life daily devotional, February 9th, reminds his readers that since the believer’s life is not really their own (“…for you were bought with a price.” - I Cor. 6:20), their highest worship and purpose is then to run their “race” with all their might, not looking for an opportunity to quit or even slow the pace, but to run hard, right through the tape for the Master’s pleasure, spurred on by the Spirit, by Christ’s love, and by communion with the word. Have many of us American Christians, with all our creature comforts, exchanged our own “pressing for the tape” for letting someone else do it for us, while we recline and we eat the world’s popcorn, and watch them on the spiritual equivalent of “tv”…entertained, perhaps even inspired…for the moment…
I must say (well, okay, I choose to say) I recently observed more interest in, read and heard more passionate discourse on social media over, how Taylor Swift felt about being booed at the Stupor Bowl, or about who gave the “best” halftime performance, than I hear interest and sharing between believers on what the Lord is showing them lately in the word and prayer, than I see us lifting one another up in prayer and service on any given day.
King David once spoke of a time in his life when he was at a very difficult place, but regained his perspective “…(when) I went into the sanctuary of God…” (Psalm 73:17). He intentionally took the necessary antidote — worship — and was reminded that, indeed, the Lord was his all in all (verses 25-26, 28). Once that is firmly reestablished in my mind, then self-preservation is replaced with joy, hope, wonder, and purpose far beyond and better than survival and distraction. Yes, effort, even exertion is involved, but the reward of living all-out for the Chief (quasi-clever Super Bowl wordplay) will outlast even the most durable football championship ring.
So run your race for the King of kings. He’s watching…and rooting you on! Remember: “…they that wait upon (serve) the Lord will mount up with wings as eagles (wince).
Lean for that tape!
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