As we have been talking about the past two weeks, Bible study and prayer are essential for a spiritual life. They are critical tools in the Christian walk and should not be taken lightly. This journey as Christ's disciples was often described by Biblical writers as a competitive sporting event, such as an olympic race in an arena full of watchful fans.
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Consider him (Jesus) who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." (Heb. 12: 1,3)
Anyone to compete will go through much sacrifice and preparation in order to maximize his potential in performance. 1 Cor. 9: 24-27 describes, "Do you know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize."
There are many reasons we might stumble and get off course, or even stop running the race. But there is a call for us to be watchful and protective of who is influencing our actions. "You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you... The one who is throwing you into confusion will pay the penalty, whoever he may be." (Gal. 5: 7-8, 10b)
As we know, Satan makes every attempt to keep us from reading our Bibles and praying, and will stop at nothing to hinder our Christian trek. If he is successful in squelching our desire to read and pray, we are likely missing the Godly wisdom and instruction about His will for our life. This is exactly the position Satan wants us in. It is at that point where even a Christian, fallen into lukewarm ineffectiveness in his/her walk, can actually encourage a straying off course using half-truths. "You my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love." (Gal. 5: 13) So let us be careful of our influences on others as well as those we let influence us. Know that Satan disguises himself as an Angel of Light and can appear very alluring.
Let us also press on together as brothers, and as we cross that finish line we can truly say, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day - and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." (2 Tim. 4: 7-8) Come on!
