Audits & Resolutions - Day 28

Write From My Heart / December 28, 2020 / Audits & Resolutions – Day 28

Question: What are my priorities?

Hebrews 12:1-3 (NLT) Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.

            We don’t often think of the first record of Olympic games being dated ca. 776 _B.C. which was during the days of Jonah and Amos and that it was prior even to the days of the prophet Isaiah. Paul must have been a fairly athletic person in his younger years for this is reflected in his writings on many occasions. In this example we can almost picture the all the participants who have already run in all the races before us—we are not the first ones.  We understand the idea that a successful runner will shed anything that might impede or hinder their performance. Runners will stay the intended course seldom changing lanes unless necessary. And the athletes will run with purpose and endure aching muscles and burning lungs to the end; all the while keeping their eyes fixed on the runner in the lead position for that is their goal, to be in the lead while others follow them.

            Just for a little humor, let’s contrast this picture with today’s typical Christian running in the Olympics. First, not only do we fail to shed unnecessary weights but we scoop up all the additional burdens and concerns we can find and stuff them in our backpacks before we take off. Then we scurry about like mice here and there flittering back and forth to whatever fad or trend is popular and “meets our needs” at the time. We have a tendency to collapse under the least amount of pressure, stress, or strain. Not only this, but usually our eyes are focused downward upon ourselves and our own situations. Not exactly the strategy of champions, is it? I think we can all agree Paul’s method is better than ours.

Resolution: Focus less on self and more on Christ.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            As we prepare our hearts to enter a new year, help us keep our eyes and priorities fixed upon you. May everything we do, say, or think be pleasing in your sight.

            In the name of Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior, Amen.