Run the Race

This weekend, I am completing a five week series that I have been preaching entitled "Run the Race." I have used the metaphor of a Triathlon to get us through a discussion about our spiritual journey based upon Paul's encouragement for us to "run the race with perseverance."

I have had so much fun with this series and I have seen and read so many things recently through different lenses. On vacation, I was reading an article from Runner's World entitled "The Latest Model." As I was reading, I was struck by how it engaged me from a Christian perspective. The subtitle to the article said it best, "No matter how long you've been running or how fast your times, there's always room for improvement."

I couldn't fit the illustration into the series after all was said and done, but it still captures my thoughts about the church. Take a read. Don't forget to read it with your christian lenses on and tell me what you think.

Transitions

As you know, over the past three weeks we have been hearing a series of messages in worship entitled “Run the Race.” I have been using the metaphor of a Triathlon to talk about faith and our life of discipleship. We began the journey with our swim and dove into faith, we went through transition, and we have just talked about the longest leg of the journey, the bike.

This week, we again come to another transition. In a triathlon, this is a different transition than the first time. Like life, transitions in a triathlon are different.

Working toward this week, I’ve been thinking a lot about transition. It’s hard not to think about it quite frankly. Many people that we know are undergoing transition this week sending children to college for the very first time, some are welcoming them home again, and others are just ready for the summer to be over. I saw that in action this afternoon as I passed Geneva College and watched throngs of people checking in, rushing around, and having that look.

“That look” is different for all of us and that is certainly the case on the campus this morning. Some look excited, but inside they are balled with stress. Some look lost, and they really are. Some look as if they could burst into tears at any moment, and the boys just hope that mom will wait until she gets into the car, secretly hoping that no one sees them feel the same way.

But that look is probably similar to other transitions that are happening over the next weeks. Kindergarten, first bus ride, being the youngest again in a school, waking up earlier than ten in the morning are the transitions that are happening.

I was reading a little from the book of Proverbs this morning. The book of Proverbs is amazingly simple and complicated at the same time. It talks about its purpose in the very first words. Quite simply, proverbs is there for our “learning,” “wisdom,” and “instruction.” You can’t read that far without stopping and simply trying to digest the message that it has for you.

That was true when I read words that reminded me of all the children, youth, and young adults who are undergoing transition this week. Chapter three begins by simply saying, “My child, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for the length of days and years of life and abundant welfare they will give you (v.1).” And then they continue, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths (vv. 5-6).”

Learning how to cope with life is just part of life, and it certainly is a part of our faith. We must go through hardship, testing, adversity, and sometimes trials in order to become stronger. Each time we go through transition, we learn how to cope with the next transition that will certainly come our way.

Take some time today, not only to pray for all those who are going through transition, but also those are learning to Trust in the Lord. Come to God today in prayer and seek to be more devoted in your own life. Say a simple prayer, trust in God, acknowledge him and see if he will not straighten the road that lies ahead.

Again, this week in worship we continue our sermon series with “Run the Race: T2.” We will also be blessed to witness to our faith in Baptism. Come and see how God can work in your life. I look forward to seeing you.

Please pray for me, and know that I am praying for you.
Greg

Olympic Passion

What are you watching these days? Beyond the news of tragedy that exists each day in our world, and the repetitive coverage of a Presidential race that began well over a year ago, chances are that you are one of the millions of people watching the Olympics.

I love watching the Olympics. I watched just a little of the opening ceremonies on Friday, but my real focus has been on the sports. As you know, I love sports anyway, but I am really enjoying the sports that you don’t get to watch regularly. I remember watching Wide World of Sports as a child and being fascinated with the different sports that exist. How can you not be gripped by the “agony of defeat?” (Cue the music).

The other day, I was captivated by Water Polo. I know that captivation may be stretching it, but I really was. I found myself cheering for the team as they were scoring, and running to the Internet to find some rules that I was not understanding. My wife heard me rooting for the team, and she wound up sitting with me as we rooted the Americans past the Chinese.

Not only do I enjoy the sporting events, but I also enjoy the human interest side of the sports, the stories bring life to those who are competing. We are brought into their lives through picture and through story that make the unknown competitor a real human being with hurts and desires just like the rest of us.

Did you hear about the mother in her thirties who is competing in gymnastics for Germany? She is competing in her record fifth Olympic games and was a part of the former Soviet Team in 1992. Following the dismantling of the former Unified team, she competed for her native Uzbekistan. She was married, had a son, but her journey was not over. It was her son’s diagnosis of Leukemia that landed her in Germany. She continued to compete because the prize money helped her pay for his treatment.

What about the swimmer from Korea who at the age of 14 was the youngest member of the team and to compete in his first Olympics. He qualified for only one event in Athens, and in the preliminary round fell off the starting block and was disqualified before he even began. Four years later, he stepped to a different podium after he won the 400m Freestyle.

In addition to the human interest stories, are the accounts of the athletic preparation and the mindset of the athlete. Steroids are a point of interest for the media, but they are also trying to focus on what athletes are doing to remain clean. The dedication, the mindset, the commitment, and the devotion to excellence and winning is staggering. The athletes that are competing at this level have one focus and one focus only – Winning.

It’s inspiring to watch someone give everything they have to one thing. Their entire focus and attention is about being a better athlete, doing everything that it takes. Watching someone like that makes me want to be better. I want to have that same passion.

But don’t worry! I’m not thinking about entering Olympic trials in the triathlon. What it makes me think about, however, is my own passion and devotion to Christ. Am I doing everything necessary to be a fully devoted follower of Christ? Am I putting everything that I have into making my life reflect that of Christ? Am I an example for others to follow? Am I measuring up? Am I falling short? Am I running the race?

I think all of us have to ask those questions of ourselves. And when we ask them, we can’t stop there. If we are falling short, falling off the podium before we even begin, we have to make changes in our lives. We have to be so committed that we are willing to do everything necessary to become what we are not; a fully devoted Christian.

We are thinking about that in this message series. What does it take to run the race with perseverance and endurance? What does it mean to cast off the weight of sin in our lives? Are you doing it?

This week we continue our series with “Run the Race: Traveling the Many Miles.” I invite you to come empty and ready to be filled by Christ. Devote yourself to him and I know that Christ will fill you. I look forward to seeing you this week in worship.

Please pray for me, and know that I am praying for you.
Greg

Run the Race

Our Sermon Series in August is entitled "Run the Race". We invite you to join us for worship for an exciting series that will challenge your faith. Run the race that is set before you - what do you have to lose?