It is a desire in the heart of many
individuals to make whatever effort is necessary in order to master and achieve
a goal. The ‘masteries’ alluded to in the verse, refer to the public or Olympic
games for which competing athletes train rigorously and strive diligently.
Although perhaps not in the sports arena, the same concept of striving to
excel, exists in many other areas of life. It is because of this potential for
greatness and achievement that this is a notable thought for believers. In our
service for Christ we are called to excellence. Taking an attitude of mere mediocrity,
a stance of ‘barely there is good enough’, is not acceptable to God, nor does
it bring Him the honour and glory of which He is worthy. Just like the trained
athlete, we too are to perform our best in serving God, and to do
this we must ‘strive’. This presumes effort, sacrifice and discipline. When as
Christians we do not exert ourselves, stretch with effort and vigorously pursue
the ways of God, we are deemed lukewarm, indifferent, and cannot expect to be
counted among those who by faithfulness and consistency, receive a ‘crown’. The
difference between striving for the mastery of the Christian walk, and any
other ‘competition’, is that we are not really competing against anyone else.
In this toil and effort of living an exemplary Christian life, we can all win,
if we so choose. It is not about who crosses the finish line of a holy life
first, but simply about who will cross the finish line at all! The
determination of ‘victory’ then is not done by a comparison with others, but a
comparison with God’s will and word. That means that each of us in our own way
can fulfil and achieve the mastery of living for God! Jesus left a big question
for us to answer as individuals: “when
the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” We must desire with
all of our heart to answer a resounding ‘yes’ to this question. To be able to
live to the standard of faithfulness which Jesus is expecting to find at His
return, it will take the same desire, dedication and discipline that we
attribute to successful and renowned athletes. There are no shortcuts or ‘cheats’
that can be used and invoked, such means only bring disrepute and dishonour. Striving
righteously and according to God’s law and word, in His strength and for His
glory, will bring the ultimate result for the believer, the crown of life and
righteousness for eternity!
http://www.pentecostalfamilychurch.com.au/devotion
