Original: December 2, 2007
Sunriver, OR
24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. 27 No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. 1 Corinthians 9:24-25
Competition was a stumbling block to me before I came to Christ.
Although I recognize the value of competing, I rarely compete against others as an adult. I have found a much greater joy in competing against myself or setting goals that inspire me to a higher level. Hunting, as you know, is a tremendous motivation for me to workout and stay in shape. As weight has been an Achilles Heel, I am constantly searching new ways to stay motivated to stay in shape-that shape is not round!
Last week I read an inspiring article about climbing “The Three Sisters” in one day. Located in Oregon’s Cascade Range the Sisters are appropriately named Faith, Hope and Charity (love). To summit all three requires an 18 mile trek spanning 9000 feet in elevation gain. To climb Faith, Hope and Charity, would be an amazing adventure and extreme stretch of my mental, physical and spiritual capabilities.
I am seriously considering climbing to the top of Faith, Hope and Charity in one day!
This got me thinking.
I write this entry in December, just two days into my favorite month of the year. This is not only Christmas month, and my birthday month, but the month I think, pray and plan for the coming year. Every December I take the week between Christmas and New Years to seek out my “God List” for the coming year and this year will be no different. This is also the time of the year that I evaluate the previous year along with its goals and seek to make the changes necessary for the coming year’s successes.
How can a man climb even higher up the mountains of Faith, Hope and Charity? What does he need to do in order to grow in these three areas of life?
Goals challenge men to run in a way that will take them to the next level. To go to the next level takes discipline and self control. As a man ages his habits form, good and bad. Sometime these habits become so solid that to break a negative cycle takes much blood, sweat, and tears.
There is more to being in this race than being a part of the human race.
The man who is running after Jesus has entered the greatest race of all-the faith race. How many men, however, actually discipline their “faith” through the spiritual disciplines, their “hope” through future disciplines, and their “love” through the discipline of ministry and serving others?
Paul tells us that in order to win we must “exercise love in all things” (Ephesians 4:15).
Good advice to men would be to ignore those positive habits that have been solidified over the years and focus more energy in growing in those things that may hinder from running the best race possible (Hebrews 12:1-2).
