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As we prepare for 2025, we must remember that we are running a spiritual race.
The Apostle Paul often uses the metaphor of a runner in a race in his letters, emphasizing perseverance, focus, and purpose. As we approach a new year, we must ask ourselves: What does this mean? Run this race honestly In today's world?
Running the race of life well is a pursuit of faith, purpose, and closeness to God. It is a journey where the finish line is not marked by worldly awards or accomplishments but by how faithful we are in Christ. When running for the gold in this race, we cannot settle for mediocrity as followers of Jesus.
Greg Laurie: There was no room for Jesus in Bethlehem. But will you make room for him?
However, the Apostle Paul points out that our “adversaries” are not our fellow Christians. Our competition is between the things of this world, the lusts of the flesh, and the distractions of Satan.
The world offers many shortcuts, false promises, and temporary pleasures that seem attractive in the moment but ultimately slow us down in our pursuit of God. To run the race well, we must constantly evaluate what influences us and whether it is leading us toward or away from the prize.
It's easy to get distracted or discouraged by life's challenges, and we often feel like we're running through a crowd of obstacles with no end in sight. That's why it's essential that we become aware of the subtle ways we can get distracted so that we can redirect our minds. When we focus on glorifying God in everything we do, the race becomes meaningful, no matter the difficulties and setbacks we face.
One of the biggest obstacles to running the race of life well is our tendency to look back. Paul says in Philippians 3:13-14, “Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, I press toward the goal to obtain the prize for which God has called me to heaven in Christ Jesus.”
Faith is a powerful force in Jimmy Carter's life, as leaders say: “A servant's heart.”
Our past mistakes, regrets, and shame often become a weight that holds us back from running freely. Instead, we are called to focus on the present and the future – what God has in store for us and how we can move forward in His grace.
So, how was your race in 2024? Are you off track or are you gunning for gold?
Remember, it's not about how fast you run, but how sincerely you take each step.
The moment I believed in Jesus ChristThis race has started for you. Some of you are just starting out, while others have been running for a long time.
My son Christopher has already finished his race, and his old dad is still running! As I get older, I think about completing this race more than ever.
Remember, it's not about how fast you run, but how sincerely you take each step.
Pastor Greg Laurie and his wife, Kath. (Harvest Church/Pastor Greg Laurie)
I know some who did not finish their race with joy (see Acts 20:24). I also know others who seemed strong in faith but “crashed and burned” in the race of life. They have gone off track, or even destroyed themselves in some cases.
We see this in the Bible as well.
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King Saul was tall, handsome, and charismatic, and God anointed him to be king. He prophesied with the prophets, and had incredible potential.
But because Saul repeatedly disobeyed God and allowed pride—and ultimately paranoia and jealousy—to consume him, it led to a series of sins, which ultimately caused God to reject him.
His race started well but it ended disastrous, as he did not keep his faith.
Or think of the mighty Samson, who possessed supernatural strength and was able to defeat his enemies with relative ease.
But like all people Samson had his weaknesses. There were a series of compromises in his life, and he did not finish his race well either.
However, Paul wanted to be in the company of those who had “joyfully finished their race,” to join the ranks of those who finished in God’s victorious circle. Men like Caleb, whose amazing story we find in Joshua 14. Or Daniel, who would not give up, even in his eighties.
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Let us commit to finishing what we start, remembering this: The race of life is not a sprint, but a long race.
It works well this new year and every year after that. Maintain a heavenly mindset with every mile you drive, and remember that the gold we seek is not for earthly gain but for eternal glory.
