Commitment - Re-CommitmentSample

Mike Medlin: Commitment Requires Endurance

In many ways the Christian life is a life lived in the “in-between”. It is lived in the in-between of things that are already complete, fulfilled and certain “in-Christ” and things that are not yet complete, lacking and uncertain in our earthly existence. There is a tension that coexists between these two realities that the Apostle Paul often refers to as the Christian race. In this race, believers run in their “not-yet” condition toward the goal of their completed “already” position in Christ.  

In Philippians chapter 3, Paul paints a picture of himself as a runner mid-race. The middle laps of any race are the most challenging. Fatigue begins to set in, and the optimism of winning or finishing well that was so strong and confident at the starting line starts to fade as doubts flood the mind and struggles attack the body. As the author of Hebrews reminds us, the runner’s greatest need during those times is endurance. What should serve as our motivation for endurance and lasting commitment? Just like Paul, it should be the prize that awaits us at the finish line, when the “not-yet” collides with the “already’ to become the glorious “what we will be” (I John 3: 2)  If your endurance or commitment level in running the Christian race is waning today, take a lesson from the Apostle Paul and remember your future.

Prayer: Father God, as Paul says, sometimes I do “grow weary in doing good.” Help me to remember that in “due time” I will “reap a harvest” if I don’t give up.  Help me to keep my eyes on the prize so I can run my race well and finish strong.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.