MARCH 19, Philippians 3:12-14

Apostle Paul likened Christian living to an athlete’s race. As an athlete presses towards the finish line, Christians are running for ‘the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus’. Some of you may have watched events in the Youth Olympics held in Singapore previously– and you would know that in a competitive race, it is not easy.

If an athlete wishes to win a race, he must not look back. Not only would he lose speed, he could stumble and fall. He could run off track and be disqualified from the race. He needs to look ahead. Paul intended to forget the past and not allow it to hinder his Christian race. Remember how Paul was in hot pursuit of Christians? In his depravity, he thought he was doing God’s will. If he allowed guilt to weigh him down, he would not have been able to continue his race. He could not afford to look behind him.

Like an athlete, Christians cannot afford to be distracted. He needs to stay on course and be focused on the race. If he begins to look left or right for an easier course, he might be tempted to quit.

Once in the race, Christians must not have any doubts. James 1:8 says that “A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.” He must have the same mind as fellow Christians who encourage each other in the race of faith.

Paul was determined to finish the Christian race. He had given us some tips on how to finish the race and to receive our rewards from the Lord.

Name some Bible characters that had completed the race of faith.

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Thought: Doubts, guilt and distractions are hindrances to my spiritual growth.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, please help me to be single-minded in following Christ and to persevere till I see Him face to face. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.