Deliberations 2016 (14): Running the race

In a previous post, I made a comment about the decathlon being arguably the most difficult discipline in the Olympics. This grueling competition consists of TEN events over just 2 days—the long jump, high jump, discus, shot putt, pole vault, javelin (which are the field events), and the 110 meter hurdles, 100 meter sprint, 400 meter and 1500 meter races—the track events. Decathletes are multi-disciplined, and the winner is considered one of the greatest, if not the greatest, athlete in the world.

As I watched the decathlon unfold during the 2016 Rio Olympics I was rendered speechless at the completion of the final event—the 1500 meter race. Soooo many strong men falling in exhaustion to the ground – unable to help themselves or any other athlete!

Yes, they had trained rigorously but obviously it took all they had to complete this competition, and only one could be the winner—and this time again, the prize belonged to Ashton Eaton.

I was reminded of a sermon entitled “7 rules for winning the race”, preached by Pastor Mark Ewen on 04/16/2016. The rules referred to running the heavenly race but are applicable to any race:

• ·      Run to win
• ·      Observe strict discipline
• ·      Don’t look back – keep your eye on the prize
• ·      Get constant encouragement from others
• ·      Take off weight (of sin)
• ·      Discount pain
• ·      Never give up

Here’s a relevant quote:

“The humble, self-denying life of our divine Lord we are to keep constantly in view. And then as we seek to imitate Him, keeping our eye upon the mark of the prize, we can run this race with certainty”, (God’s Amazing Grace, P 342).

Deliberations 2016(13): Citizenship where?

August 6^th – a significant date for some of us – the date of Jamaica’s independence. As a young child I do not remember singing “God save the queen”, but I remember being taught the new anthem “Eternal Father bless our land”. And now I have the privilege of being a citizen of another country, and I also sing, “Lift up your head, to the rising sun, Bahamaland”.

Sometimes though my citizenship can be challenged. For example, as I visited Jamaica recently, and ate a meal of ackee and codfish, breadfruit, and festival, washed down with a little sorrel :) I was told that I couldn't have been born in Jamaica because I don’t eat avocadoes! But I didn’t feel bad, because every year my students tell me I can’t be Bahamian because I don’t eat conch!

But even greater than being a citizen of 2 countries here on earth, is being a citizen of heaven. We can claim that by having a personal relationship with Jesus, and accepting Him as our Savior.

What’s so special about that? The beauty of this citizenship is that it is available to everyone, regardless of race, politics, how much money you have, or the level of your academic achievement. And it comes with a guarantee of eternal life.

What does a citizen of heaven look like? 1. A citizen of heaven is yielded 100% to Christ. We don’t own anything. Instead we yield ourselves, our time, talents, business, money, family, everything to Christ. 2. A citizen of heaven spends time in the Bible – s/he knows it, loves it, and lovingly shares it with others. 3. A citizen of heaven keeps God’s commandments.

“…Our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who by the power that enables Him to bring everything under His control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like His glorious body.” (Philippians 3:20-21 NIV)