If you were given the opportunity to win the lottery, run a sprint or participate in a marathon which would you choose? I suspect that the most popular response would be to win the lottery, although, I’m sure that there are people who might choose one of the other options. How would you answer if I I added to the question: “Which option would be the best for your spiritual maturity and development?”
One of the studies we use for our spiritual discipleship requires disciples to read and apply the article “Tyranny of the Urgent” By Charles Hummel (PDF). I would encourage all of us to read this article regularly. The gist of the article focuses on our tendencies to give priority to the things that scream the loudest. This almost always results in sidelining what is most important. The saying, “The squeaky wheel gets the grease.” describes a challenge in each of our lives.
My thoughts have been recently focused on the spiritual development of the follower of Jesus. The writer of Hebrews reviews the testimonies of those who were examples of a Biblical trust in God. I was struck by the source of Moses’ endurance. “By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible.” (Hebrews 11:27) . This tidbit reminds us of the necessity of our growing awareness of our Lord and Savior.
The lottery, sprint or marathon question can reflect different views of our Christian faith. Winning the lottery could represent the idea that salvation is a windfall to be squandered on our wants and wishes. The sprint and marathon could speak to two different levels of commitment to growing in Christ.
My response to the question may be a little surprising, but I see all three as options relating to the practice of our faith. The Christian life is similar to a lottery in that one becomes a Christian by no work of their own. I realize a “lottery” may not be the best metaphor, but it does communicate one aspect of God’s grace: we receive what we did not earn or deserve, it is a gift from God. “he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,” (Titus 3:5). It is the significance of this gift that motivates us to live a life for God by investing in our relationship with Him.
The practice of our faith is like a race. This metaphor was popular in the sports-crazed world of Paul’s day. He writes, “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.” (1 Corinthians 9:24). The Christian life is like a race because we are all runners in the race. The difference being the goal of running, which is to realize all that we can be through a relationship with Jesus, not to beat others. Paul write, “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14).
I see the Christian race as most like a marathon due to the length of the race. It is not primarily about speed but endurance. It most accurately characterizes the challenges of following Jesus. The writer of Hebrews, after reviewing those who have gone before us, concludes; “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,” (Hebrews 12:1).
What has been in the forefront of my mind from that last half of Hebrews 11:27 is how Moses, “endured as seeing him who is invisible.” It emphasizes the fortitude gained from investing in making our relationship with our Lord the daily priority.
-Pastor Joe Parkinson