Personal Best

(8-29-04)

2Cor.5:6-10

The Olympic adventures have been rather interesting this year, as they always are, I suspect. Every event has its special challenges, special need for ability. I like it when I hear some athlete give praise to God. (our God I hope.) I think one of the best examples of achievement has got to be the long distant runner form Africa.

Gebrselassie, Haile (1973- ), Ethiopian track-and-field athlete

Here is a world class runner who has beat his own record 9 times – world records mind you, not just his own best but the worlds best. Incredible! What would our walk with Christ and our service to his Lordship be like if we had that level of committed devotion? We need grace don’t we?

In the job market we are expected to grow and improve on ourselves. We certainly expect an improvement in our financial package, even demand it. Our Lord has expectations too. He expects us to grow and mature. We however are not like a fruit or vegetable, we do not grow just by frequently occupying the pews. Growth comes through striving.

Paul writes in 2Cor.5:9 that striving to please the Lord is worth pursuit. “So we make it our goal to please Him…” (NIV) I believe the (ALV) represents Paul’s intention better: “And so we ambitiously strive,…to be acceptable [or, pleasing] to Him.” Thayer’s Greek dictionary gives this rendering for the word Paul, through the Holy Spirit, chose to use - philotimeomai

Thayer Definition:

1) to be fond of honour

1a) to be actuated by love of honour

1b) from a love of honour to strive to bring something to pass

2) to be ambitious

2a) to strive earnestly, make it one’s aim

Considering what Olympians do, this word fits well their ambitions and their labor. Paul is not just talking about a goal in a passive sense but a labored, striving towards that achievement. Look at how Paul uses this word in regards to his own calling as an Apostle and preacher and teacher: “^Rom.15:20 It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known,..” (NIV) and in the (ALV) “And so I ambitiously strive [or, count it an honor] to be proclaiming the Gospel, ..”

Paul gives a good reason for each of us to want to strive to be pleasing; where we will be found standing. (see his conclusion in 2Cor.5:10,11) The Olympic Athletes perform before a watching world but the reckoning of their success or failure is counted by the panel of judges or by the aspect of time or distance. Each competing by the rules of their chosen field.

Each of you who have accepted Jesus’ call have been placed in your special field of labor. You have been called into service for the master. You have been called and in that calling are asked to attach your heart and your energies to the reward of your calling. You are His Champions! You are His medallists, or so you should strive to be.