Finish Your Race With Joy

“But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” (Acts 20:24, NKJV)

The Apostle Paul was one of those who faithfully lived his life for the Lord Jesus Christ – defending, sharing, and spreading the Gospel. Even with all the warnings and prophecies, nothing fazes him, whether it be persecution, imprisonment, tribulations, and even death. He holds firm to his statement in Philippians 1:21, “For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain,” which is the accurate description of his life after he encountered the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

It is not that he did not value his life, but because he understood the purpose of his existence in Christ. The truth is, he truly valued his life by choosing to follow Jesus to gain eternal life. Remember what the Lord Jesus said in Mark 8:35, “For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel will save it.”

The Apostle Paul found his purpose, and it became his passion. His passion drove his perspective, which brought fulfillment and joy to His life as he served the Lord Jesus Christ.

Our spiritual race is not a one-minute, one-day sprint to test our speed but a marathon of faithfulness, which tests our endurance – joyfully serving God. After all, we are running on a dark and fallen world. We need to be reminded not to be distracted or be drawn away with temporary worldly gains or be discouraged by the hardships in life. We must highly consider and focus our attention on eternal perspective and hold on to God’s promises.

Have you found your purpose in Christ? How about in the Church – the Body of Christ? What are you passionate about? Is serving the Lord drives you or drags you? Would you be willing to give up your life for the sake of Jesus and His Gospel just as He gave up His life for you to have eternal life?

Brethren, let us run with endurance and finish the race with joy in serving the Lord Jesus Christ!

– Contributed by Ptr Neil Marlon Crisostomo