"Keep on Running!"

I'm enjoying the 2014 Winter Olympics from Sochi, Russia. I've tried to watch as many events as possible. The athletes have been training for years to compete in bobsledding, figure skating, alpine skiing, ski jumping, slopestyle, speedskating, snowboarding, ice hockey, luging, biathlon, skeleton and more. The USA has already won 13 medals (as of Friday PM) and they hope for more to come! The difference between a medal and no medal can come down to a fraction of a second...literally the time it takes to blink your eye! Many of those without medals will go home very disappointed and dejected although they have given their best.

For the past two Lord's Day services we have considered the Olympic Christian Race? That's the way the writer of Hebrews illustrates the Christian life in Hebrews 12:1-2, "... let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith..." Paul wrote, "Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. " (1 Corinthians 9:24)

One great thing about our Christian race is that all who run faithfully until the end will receive a reward! No one will be disappointed or dejected. God expects us to "be faithful unto death" and He will give us a "crown of life." (Revelation 2:10)

Another great thing about our Christian race is that we can and must help others along the way. Look for fellow Christians, encourage them, use opportunities to assist them. We are told to "...consider one another in order to stir up love and good works...exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching." (Hebrews 10:24-25)

Enjoy the Olympics, but more importantly, stay in the Christian race and keep running!