Welcome!
Passage: 2 Timothy 4 (AMP)
Running and finishing well!
7 I have fought the good (worthy, honorable, and noble) fight, I have finished the race, I have kept (firmly held) the faith. 8 [As to what remains] henceforth there is laid up for me the [victor’s] crown of righteousness [for being right with God and doing right], which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me and recompense me on that [great] day—and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved and yearned for and welcomed His appearing (His return). (2 Tim 4, AMP)-emphasis added
You might have watched some of the events in Olympic games
It is hard work and discipline that pays. Elsewhere in the world people get lot of things done by using money and influence, but you can’t win the Olympics just like that; you need to really perform!
Those who won those medals had to sacrifice many things that others enjoy in life-with only one thing in mind: win the Olympics!
In God’s world and His word, we can see some champions. Apostle Paul was one of them. Paul even mentions about such a race where people were presented with crowns that would fade, talking about a crown made of olive branches that winners used to receive in those days. But Paul found one better than that. He talks about a crown of eternal value, that never fades!
24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. (1 Cor 9, NIV)-emphasis added
4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. (1 Peter 5, NIV)
Each one receives their crown whether they are ministers or disciples, each according to how they ran/fought in their spiritual race. When you run, you don’t have time to worry about many other things, but only fix your eyes on the target, forget everything else and just run!
Recognition in the world comes and goes, and does not do any good for our souls. What really matters and lasts is recognition by the Lord!
In the race, many people might cheer and applaud you; but in the end, the organizers will announce if you really won or not. If you made some mistake, they took note of it!
Even in the spiritual race, many shine like “stars”, but all that matters is how God looks at us and our performance, based on our intention/attitude
If you have been concerned about something in the physical realm, know that nothing is difficult for God. If we will turn our eyes to God and focus on the spiritual, God is faithful to bless us spiritually and in all other areas
2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in every way and [that your body] may keep well, even as [I know] your soul keeps well and prospers. (3 John, AMP)
Have a blessed day!
BG
Prayer: Father God, thank you for loving and saving me. Help me to run my spiritual race diligently and focused, not looking at others, but at you. Help me also to help others who need guidance and support. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
When we run, it doesn’t matter whose recognition/applause we get, unless we get it from God!