What does it take to be a winner in the most important race
of all?
I had a discussion over tea that day with a former
university mate. More than three decades have elapsed since we were together in
the Varsity Christian Fellowship (VCF).
We noticed some VCF members have gone ahead in their
spiritual walk, borne fruit and impacted many lives whereas others have just
been getting by. Even worse, a few have left the faith.
What accounts for the difference? What separates the men
from the boys?
Our spiritual hunger to a
large extent determines how far we will go. If we draw near to God, He will
draw near to us, right? (James 4:8). Furthermore,
the Beatitudes remind us: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for
righteousness for they will be filled” (Matthew 5:6). It is hunger which keeps
us asking and seeking the hidden things of God – for His presence and revelations
from scripture.
Discipline too plays an important part
in our spiritual pilgrimage. Paul speaks of the need for self-discipline:
“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. 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. Therefore I
do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating
the air. No, I strike a blow to 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 9:24-27).
Paul recognises that the spiritual race is like a
marathon, not a sprint. As such, he denies himself so that he can finish well (Luke
9:23).
Dependence on God is another key
factor. It means we depend on the Holy Spirit all the way – whether for spiritual
growth, guidance, fruit-bearing or overcoming temptation. For it is “not by
might not by power but by the Holy Spirit” that we are able to achieve victory
in all these areas (Zechariah 4:6).
People who depend on God are led,
not driven. “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the
sons of God” (Romans 8:14). We would rather not go ahead with a particular
venture if we sense God’s presence is not with us.
We also recognise that it is through faith and patience that
we inherit God’s promises – come into the Promised Land, into the fullness of what
God has in store for their lives (Hebrews 6:12). By waiting
upon God for each life situation, we are able to soar on wings like eagles
(Isaiah 40:31).
How about natural gifts and talents? Credentials, like past
experience or a string of degrees? All these factors do help but, compared to
the foregoing, they are less critical.
God’s sovereignty is
an important overriding factor. Though Paul was not numbered among the twelve
disciples, God chose to reveal Himself in a dramatic way which turned his life
upside down. So this latecomer to the faith overtook all the others and became
the key person in laying the foundation of the apostles teaching in the New Testament.
The Parable of the Sower reminds us that external factors
can derail our journey. Life’s cares and worries as
well as riches and pleasures represent the “thorns”
which choke the Word so that the soil (hearer) does not bear fruit (Luke 8:14).
We are all co-workers with
God. We need to work hard to show the results of our salvation, obeying Him with
deep reverence and fear. For God is working in us, giving us the desire and the
power to do what pleases Him (Philippians 2:12-13).
He who began the good work within us will continue His
work until it is finally finished on the day when Jesus returns (Philippians 1:6).
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