Years ago when I was visiting Kenya, my friend and I decided to go on a run. What we called a run could more rightly be called a jog, especially considering that we were running in the land of Olympic marathoners.
Literally.
Our path was the same as what they used for practice. If I remember correctly, they blew by us as we were on our jaunt. Of course we ran shorter, slower, and with less resolve than they did. Our goal was to get some exercise; their goal was to win a race.
As I think about them sprinting by, I can’t help but think it wasn’t just the pursuit of victory that they were running for. They were running for the honor of their homeland. In a nation that is often written about for its political unrest and its poor economy, these Olympians provide a reason for patriotic pride. They were running to represent their country well. Their passion, their endurance, was fueled by this purpose.
So should it be for Christians. After all, the Christian life is often represented as a race in Scripture (I Corinthians 9:24; Hebrews 12:1). The purpose that fuels our passion should that we want to represent Christ well. Just as Olympians want to bring prestige to their country, we should want our lives to bring honor to His name.
In doing so, we can look to our future prize. And the joy we will feel when victory is achieved.