On Your Mark . . .
One usually hears the above words just before the start of a race. This is to call attention to the contestants to get ready for the start of the event in which they participate, as well as to inform the observers of the beginning of the contest. This seems apropos as we are all entering a New Year and as such, are all combatants in the “race of life”. When the call is made to take your marks in a foot race, the course has been laid out, the direction is set, the lanes are indicated and the rules have been established and studied. This ensures that all “play by the rules” or be disqualified.
Often when races are organized, the length of the race is established and often broken down into “laps”, or trips around the track or course. Couldn’t we say that each year constitutes a lap in this race called life? Those who are running this race are at different places on the track and therefore are on different laps, or years. The analogy of a race is also used in Scripture as the Spirit utilized things from human existence, to guide us spiritually.
When it comes down to it, the “race” which is of most importance is not a foot race, or some physical contest in this life, but that which determines where one will spend eternity. The Spirit had the wise man of Israel pen the Words we find in Ecclesiastes 9:11-12 to show that all races, including life will end. I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all. 12 For man also knoweth not his time: as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare; so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them. We’re all going to die. We just don’t know when.
Since we don’t know when our “race” in this life will end, does it not make sense to always remain ready, committed, dedicated, active and working, so we won’t be weighed in the balances and found wanting?
But how does one remain ready? Much in the same way an athlete stays in shape and ready for the physical contests of their particular discipline. The athlete must exercise, work and develop to be able to excel in whatever sport or contest they enter. In the same way, the Christian must remain prepared as the “race” each runs from earth to heaven begins when one is baptized into Christ and ends at the conclusion of life. Of course, the award ceremony, when the reward is given takes place after the judgment.
Man has come up with a number of maxims for life, most of which have their origins from the Word of God. One that seems most fitting for this time of the year is: “Today is the first day of the rest of your life”. In other words: “On Your Mark!” This race begins anew every day. The Holy Spirit had Paul pen the Words of Philippians 3:13-14 to convey this very idea, and also that we might know for what we should strive. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Another passage of note is 1Corinthians 9:24 which should remind us that if we are not on the team (not a Christian), or if we’ve “dropped out”, due to laziness or lack of effort, we needn’t expect to win the prize. Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. We must first become a Christian through obedience to the gospel, and then continue to “press” toward the prize. To do this one must remain fit spiritually. This can only happen if the effort is put forth to do so. 2Timothy 2:15 provides the needed formula and routine to keep us in shape for the race. Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Of a truth, the modern or ancient participants in the games do not, or did not just “show up” and soundly defeat all contenders, having had no training or preparation. Nor did they begin preparation the day before the contest. The Lord, while here on earth, gives us insight as to how often we are to train. In Luke 9:23 we find this admonition. And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. In John 9:4, in regard to His own work, Jesus explained why one cannot wait, else time may run out. I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. (Death)
Perhaps that is why the Spirit had the apostle Paul write in 1Timothy 4:8 about focusing more on Spiritual fitness than on bodily exercise. For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. How can we apply this? Much like the Christians to which Hebrews 12:1-2a was written. Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; . . .
Christ spent His entire life on earth pleasing His Heavenly Father by doing His Will. He set the perfect example before us and made the way to Salvation possible in His death, burial, resurrection and ascension. On which “track” are you running the race of life? Where does it lead? Do you need to change the path you are on? The race is now. On Your Mark . . .
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
