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As we prepare for 2025, we must remember that we are in a spiritual race.
The Apostle Paul frequently uses the analogy of a race runner throughout his letters to emphasize perseverance, focus, and purpose. As we enter a new year, we must ask ourselves: What does it mean to faithfully run this race in today’s world?
Running successfully in the race of life is a pursuit of faith, purpose, and closeness to God. It is a journey whose finish line is marked not by worldly accolades or achievements, but by how faithfully we live for Christ. As followers of Jesus, we cannot be satisfied with mediocrity as we run for the gold medal in this race.
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However, the Apostle Paul says that our “adversaries” are not fellow Christians. Our competition is between the things of this world, the desires of the flesh, and the distractions of the devil.
There are many shortcuts, false promises, and temporary pleasures in the world that seem appealing in the moment, but ultimately slow us down in our pursuit of God. To successfully run the race, we need to continuously evaluate what is influencing us and whether it is leading us to or away from the prize.
It’s easy to get distracted or discouraged by life’s challenges. It can often feel like you’re running through endless obstacles. That’s why it’s important to be aware of the subtle ways we can be distracted so we can redirect our minds. When we focus on glorifying God in everything we do, the race becomes meaningful, regardless of the challenges and setbacks.
One of the biggest obstacles to successfully running the race of life is the tendency to look back. In Philippians 3:13-14, Paul says, “Forgetting the things that are behind, I press forward to the things that are ahead, with the goal of winning the prize for which God has called me into heaven in Christ Jesus.” “I will move forward.”
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Our past failures, regrets, and shame often become a weight that prevents us from running free. Instead, we should focus on the present and the future: what God has in store for us, and how we can move forward in His grace. It’s wanted.
So what happened to the 2024 race? Have you gone off track or are you running for the gold medal?
Remember, it’s not how fast you run that matters, but how faithfully you execute every step.
The moment you believed in Jesus Christ, this race began for you. Some are just starting out, while others have been doing it for quite some time.
Son Christopher has already finished racing, but his elderly father is still running. As I get older, I think more about completing this race than ever before.
Remember, it’s not how fast you run that matters, but how faithfully you execute every step.
Pastor Greg Laurie and his wife Kate. (Harvest Church/Pastor Greg Laurie)
I know some people who rejoiced in the race but never finished it (see Acts 20:24). I have known people who seemed strong in their faith, but who “frustrated and burned” in the race of life. They went off track and in some cases self-destructed.
We see this in the Bible as well.
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King Saul was tall, handsome, charismatic, and anointed by God to be king. He prophesied with the prophets and had incredible potential.
However, Saul repeatedly disobeyed God and was consumed by pride and eventually paranoia and jealousy, leading to a series of sins that ultimately caused God to reject Saul.
He had a good start to the race, but a disastrous finish and didn’t keep his faith.
Or consider the mighty Samson, who is supernaturally endowed with superhuman strength and can defeat his enemies with relative ease.
However, like all people, Samson had his weaknesses. His life was filled with compromises, and he too could not successfully complete the race.
But Paul wanted to be with those who had “finished the race with joy” and joined those who had joined God’s circle of winners. Men like Caleb have amazing stories in Joshua 14. Or there are men like Daniel, who remain uncompromising even into their 80s.
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Remember that the race of life is a long run, not a sprint, and be determined to finish what you start.
Let’s run energetically this New Year and every year after that. Maintain a heavenly mindset every time you pass a mile marker, remembering that the gold we are chasing is not for earthly gain, but for eternal glory.
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