The Checkered Flag. Philippians 3:14. “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Some started quickly and accomplished a lot in a short time, and soon, their race was finished. Before they lived many years, their work was done. God, in His sovereign plans, gave them one task to complete. While others were still preparing, they had already finished. A great-uncle of mine began preaching the Gospel in his early twenties and died at age thirty-five. Souls were saved, churches were established, and he was taken home to heaven after ten years of serving the Lord.
Some take a long time trying to figure everything out before they step out in faith and walk by faith. They want to understand the meaning of words, the gifts they have, and life's purpose; they seek answers before they face the problems. Much time is spent waiting and seeking more training, but ultimately, God's call cannot be ignored. They get everything in place, then begin running the race. Others are called "plodders"; they don’t move very quickly. They start at a steady pace, watching other runners pass and receiving much praise from the crowds. The plodders keep going past training centers and cemeteries, steadily pushing toward the goal of doing what they need to do, one day at a time.
There are many different ways the people of God run the race set before them, but all of them will be fulfilled when they see the Savior’s face and hear His voice say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” The “checkered flag” and the goal line are only metaphors related to the race itself. The prize will be to see Jesus, whom our eyes have never seen. Whether fast or slow, timid or bold, aggressive or a plodder, all share one thing in common: we are heading to the Father’s house. When we arrive and see Jesus in the flesh and give Him an account of the things done in the body, we will rejoice together in the results of grace. We will see more clearly the value of opposition, suffering, cost, and the benefits of living for the Lord and practicing what we were taught.
Now that I am much older than when I started this race and have been pressing ahead each day, I am becoming more aware of the checkered flag, the finish line, and the real presence of the One who awaits us and often comes unseen to help me in this race I am running, guiding me to honor Him.
Paul had one goal before him: to be the person God wanted him to be so he could achieve that ultimate reward of a "Well done, good and faithful servant." What greater goal could there be for someone who loves the Lord? His sole ambition was to keep that in mind throughout this race, no matter what happened. He didn’t let past memories shift his direction or weaken his resolve. It’s important for us to leave behind anything that might hinder us from fulfilling our Christian privileges and responsibilities. Just as runners focus their attention and energy on the race ahead, we must constantly remind ourselves that this Christian race is not meant to be easy.