You’ve got to admire their enthusiasm
All this I do for the gospel’s sake, in order to share in its blessings. Surely you know that many runners take part in a race, but only one of them wins the prize. Run, then, in such a way as to win the prize. Every athlete in training submits to strict discipline, in order to be crowned with a wreath that will not last; but we do it for one that will last for ever. (verses 23-25)
Isn’t it amazing how wrapped up in their passion devoted football followers are. They stand in line in the hope of getting tickets to see the games. They watch replays, listen to post-mortems and devour every word written in the newspapers about their team’s performance. In the pub they’ll argue minor points vehemently and at length if they feel one of their heroes’ honour is at stake. Even if you aren’t all that keen on football you have to admire their enthusiasm.
Can we say the same about our passion for the gospel? Do we go into worship with the same zeal as a football fanatic? Do we read every word we can to learn more and more about the gospel? Do we talk about it to anyone who’ll listen, so that anyone who hears will be amazed by what it means to us? Do we support our church generously so that it can continue to spread the good news? Do people say about us, ‘You have to admire their enthusiasm’?
They should. May we be as passionate for the gospel as any sports follower! After all, we speak of news about an eternal future.
Father, make me so certain of salvation that I, too, will want to share it with whoever you place in my mission field. Amen.
by Bob Turnbull, in ‘New Strength for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 1998)
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