The Spiritual Man's Obstacle CourseSample

12. The Finish Line (part 2)

Finish Together

“Alone I go faster; Together we go further!” – African Proverb

Luckily for us, the course of Christ is not a solo race, but a team event. We might not all start or finish at the exact same time, but as we meet up along the route, we are allowed to assist each other. Whether we need to breach barriers, face the trenches, cut through nets, or be reminded which way to go, we don’t have to go it alone. In fact, we should not go alone at all.

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”
– Hebrews 10:23-25

Jesus desires a personal relationship with each of us. This is a huge part of our salvation—being saved from sin. But there is also the expectation that we won’t float like an island and instead stay connected to the mainland. Jesus also has a place for us in the community of faith known as His church. This in turn is a huge part of our sanctification—growing to spiritual maturity.

For it is in the church that we are held accountable, even though we ourselves might be very responsible. It is in the church that we are taught well, even though we ourselves might be very knowledgeable. In church, we are motivated, even though we may remain faithful on our own. And this church is not a cathedral or a building that is set apart and holy. It is the collective gatherings and functions of individuals who are born again in Christ. It is a body of people who are set apart and holy, not a building, nor a place, and not simply an organization or cult.

We all have role to play in one another’s lives. There’s a community of believers that need you, and you also need them, like it or not. As men of God, we should be a brotherhood in Christ, all following in the footsteps of the oldest Son as we sharpen each other (Proverbs 27:17). Sometimes this will mean we have each other to lean on, but at times it will also mean that we must challenge one another to remain faithful(Proverbs 17:17). In the end, it will be the support and community we experienced and helped create that carries us across the finish line.

Read Romans 12:3-16 and reflect on the following:

• What’s your observation(s) from this reading?
• What’s your understanding of being part of the body of believers?
• What’s your biggest obstacle to applying this in your own life?
• What, or who, should you pray for after today’s reading?