Smooth Water
“Why We Don’t Give Up”
Jim & Linda Jack
Racers don’t give up, and most humans don’t, or shouldn’t give up either. When you race you have a purpose…the competition, the thrill, the challenge, and the sheer speed of a drag boat.
When you race you have a plan…to be safe, to have consistency, hopefully (prayerfully) not hurt yourself, and not hurt too many parts either.
When you race you want the prize…and that is to be the best, the fastest, and to win the championship trophy. In a nutshell, life and drag boat racing comes down to the purpose, the plan, and the prize.
The book of first Corinthians tells us, “Do you not 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” (9:24-27).
The purpose is for you to race (or run) to get the prize. You can’t get the prize if you don’t make an effort to go after it. You must race (or run) straight to the goal. The quickest way to the goal is the straightest line, so you don’t want to get crossed up or get sidetracked during your pursuit. You must attempt to eliminate what is potentially harmful (mistakes, breakage, bad conditions etc.) during the race (or run).
Spiritually speaking, to avoid potentially harmful items means to, “Avoid every kind of evil.” It also requires you to discipline yourself by training physically and spiritually. Remember, you are in a race to accept “a crown that will last forever.” Not just a championship.
The book of Galatians tells us, “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (6:7-10).
We are to keep up hope and never become weary in doing good. It’s acceptable to always do what is right. Keep trying and don’t get discouraged and give up. Remember, if you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.
Do good to everyone, especially the family of believers. The “Golden Rule” is one of the best ways to live your life, “Do unto others and you would have them do unto you.” Sow to please the spirit and reap a good harvest. If you please God, you’ll please mankind. The principle of sowing and reaping is a great example. A good tree bears good fruit, and a bad tree bears bad fruit. Which would you prefer to reap? Reap eternal life through faith in Christ and you’ll you be able to discern a tree by its fruit.
Paul concludes his letter to the Ephesians by telling them, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.” (6:10-18) .
We must be equipped at all times by dressing ourselves with the full armor of God for our own protection. A daily routine of donning our spiritual armor is like wearing all of your safety equipment. You need it every time you race (or run) to keep you as safe as possible. In racing you only need your equipment for a few seconds, but in life you need it on at all times.
Therefore, we must always be alert, pray on all occasions, by using all the pieces of God’s armor provided for you. This holy covering is for your head, heart, hands and heels. It’s a necessary part of taking your stand against the devil’s schemes. Remember, the “Good News” is a mystery that has been revealed to all ambassadors of the Lord.
The letter to the Philippians humbly encourages us, “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (3:12-14).
The purpose is to press on toward the day when you will be all that God wants you to be. The plan is forget the past, and strain toward what is ahead…the finish line (you can’t change the past). And the prize is the reason for which God calls us heavenward. A relationship with Christ on earth leads you to the winners circle in Paradise, which equals a winner with God.
Paul’s second letter to Timothy should inspire us, “You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs--he wants to please his commanding officer. Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules. The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this. Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God's word is not chained. Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us; if we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself” (2:1-13).
The purpose is to entrust these great truths to people who will teach them to others, by passing it along. Also be strong in Christ’s grace, even when your faith is faltering, because you are saved by grace through faith in God.
The plan is endure hardship like a soldier, and try not to get too involved in worldly affairs…only godly things. Follow the Lord’s rules, as an athlete must do in order to win. God’s ways will determine winners…work hard, like a farmer who tends his crops for the harvest. Do all things unto the Lord.
The prize is we will live with Christ, we will reign with Him, and best of all you won’t get bumped out. He always remains faithful to you and always carries out His promises.
The Christian life was never promised as an easy way to live, but by living your life with perseverance and persistence, and with the goal of winning the prize, you’ll make the grade. Paul constantly reminds us that we must have a purpose and a plan because times will be difficult and enemy will attack. But we never persevere without the promise of a prize...a promise God will keep.
At the racetrack, things can change at anytime. But, God is immutable; He can’t change His mind about His promises because He is faithful and true. Don’t give up on the track. Don’t give up at your job. Don’t give up in school. Don’t give up in your life. Don’t give up on your human relationships. Don’t give up with your relationship with Christ. The finish line is in sight!
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