It’s not how you start the race but how you finish that counts. I had a friend in college who notoriously started slowly in his cross-country races. He was either last or near the back for most of the race. Then he would make his move and finish near the front of the pack, sometimes he even won. He knew that it is important how you finish the race. Paul lived by the same principle.
Acts 20:24
However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.
Set Your Sights
Do you live with the finish line in mind? Do you want to finish the race? It’s so easy to live with a temporary mindset. What’s going on right now? What do I need to do? We make very few of our decisions based on how it will affect our long-term outcome.
Obtain the Prize
As Christians, we have a finish line, heaven. We want to run in such a way to obtain the prize, eternal life with Jesus Christ. What do we need to do to ensure we cross that line? Paul’s mentality was to run the race and to capture the prize. He wouldn’t allow anything to distract him from what he was supposed to do. He cast off all things that hindered him so he could run strong.
Stay FocusedÂ
How did Paul run so focused? By constantly seeking the face of God and serving others. These two principles consumed him and filled his heart with purpose and passion. He tells us that is it more blessed to give than to receive. Helping the weak, working hard, and looking out for others filled his heart. You won’t go wrong by focusing on these.