Some journeys are only meant to be traveled once.
Yet, the path to our redemption is re-walked so often during Sunday morning sermons that we lose sight of the goal it was leading us to.
You’d think the Body of Christ needs saving over and over again.
[What’s my redemption? see: Different Fruit…Same Good News [1]]
Think about it.
If my Christian life revolves only around what’s been given to me, there won’t be much time to focus on the prize the Lord wants me to win. The wheels driven by discipleship can’t turn when they’re stuck on first base.
And discipleship has always been about the prize.
In his letter to the church of God which [was] at Corinth, to those who [had] been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, with all who in every place [called] on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours, the apostle Paul sought not to be disqualified from receiving the imperishable prize:
“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim. I box in such a way, as not beating the air. But I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.” [1Cor. 9:24-27] [my emphasis]
[ἀδόκιμος: (âdókîmôs) failing to meet the test, disqualified; worthless; corrupted (mind)]
Christ’s Good News needs to be shared with those who have ears to hear it. But nothing is gained by overthinking God’s grace. In fact, if I omit the part about running the race to win or face the penalty of being disqualified as a fellow partaker of Jesus Christ’s inheritance, then I’m passing on false information.
Competing for a prize is a familiar enough concept for most men. It’s an inherent goal that’s demonstrated in the workplace and sporting events alike by both participants and spectators.
But consider the goals of the Evil One. A valuable prize that no one has heard about will never be sought. Even so, the hopeful human heart will still find something to latch on to.
The result?
Christ’s flock soon becomes preoccupied with something it can never lose—its redemption.
If I can’t see the prize at home plate, I won’t even think about trying to steal second.