Use Grace to Win the Race!
“A true athlete will be disciplined in every respect, practicing constant self-control in order to win a laurel wreath that quickly withers. But we run our race to win a victor’s crown that will last forever. For that reason, I don’t run just for exercise or box like one throwing aimless punches, but I train like a champion athlete. I subdue my body and get it under my control, so that after preaching the good news to others I myself won’t be disqualified.” (1 Corinthians 9:25-27 TPT)
For those who are mature in the Gospel, the main goal is not about getting earthly blessings. It is about eternal rewards that will last forever. True treasures from above that will make a difference in your quality of living in the Millennial Kingdom of Christ and in eternity beyond that.
Believers who are wondering if they are forgiven of their sins or not are still lagging behind in the race, with the burdensome weight of an un-renewed mind and conscience slowing them down to a standstill.
“Therefore let us also, seeing we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising its shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2 WEB)
Look ahead—can you see Jesus at the finish line cheering you on, with His nail-pierced hands extended, ready to embrace you? Run straight into His loving arms and ignore the sin which is trying to hold you back. You will outrun the snare of sin by the power of the Holy Spirit when your eyes are on Jesus.
The Christian life is a race. The power you use to run is called grace, received by keeping your eyes on Jesus who is the author and perfecter of faith. It is totally up to you whether you will run, just walk, or not even complete it. God will not force you to use the grace that He has freely given to you, but He will certainly encourage you, for it is worthwhile.
“Working together, we entreat also that you not receive the grace of God in vain,” (2 Corinthians 6:1 WEB)
There are precious prizes to be received when you finally stand before Jesus’ throne at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. No matter what you choose to do, you can’t say that you didn’t receive the memo because you have read this post.
Receive a revelation of your eternal rewards and how to maximize them. How you live now affects your enjoyment of “forever”: https://ko-fi.com/s/7b9e3783ae
