Run to Win

Jesus told a parable about servants who were given a portion of money by their master before he left on a journey.  They were entrusted to invest and use what their master entrusted to them wisely.  Luke 19:15-17 reads, "And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading. ¹⁶ Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds. ¹⁷ And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities."  Jesus is coming quickly, and His reward is with Him to give to every servant according to their work (Rev. 22:12).  It is God's good pleasure to give us the kingdom, and He graciously has rewards reserved for us.  Should we show ourselves faithful in this life on earth, God has eternal rewards He will delight to bestow.

The thought occurred to me:  if it is God's will to graciously give us rewards according to our works, it would be sinful not to earnestly desire and labour for them.  We pray, "Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven."  It is God's will to give, and our negligence could deny Him this glory.  God is a generous, gracious Giver.  Should we be slack and slothful concerning His business, we will miss out on eternal reward God would have joyfully given.  Our obedience, sacrifices, and labours of love for Christ and the Gospel will never be forgotten by God, even if ignored or despised by men.  Hebrews 6:10-12 tells us, "For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister. ¹¹ And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, ¹² that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises."

Warren Wiersbe said that heaven is not only a destination, but a motivation.  Christians are beyond blessed to receive the gift of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.  Yet there is also promised eternal rewards for every believer who runs the race set before them with faithful tenacity as led by the Holy Spirit.  Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 9:24, "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."  We should not care for a participation award, but run to win the reward.  It is good to start the race, but let's finish well!  For most of us the finish line is closer than we think!