" I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." 2 Timothy, 7-8 NIV

For those Christians who recently watched some of the Olympic Track and Field Events and saw some of the world's finest runners compete for Gold Medals, were you reminded of our own race in the Christian life of service to Christ? Or were you also reminded of the great reward that awaits those who fight the good fight and finish this race as did the Apostle Paul?

Whether they realise it or not, all Christians are in life long race and those who fight the good fight are the ones who have:
1. Truly humbled themselves before Christ and asked Him for forgiveness of their sins and then accepted all He demands as their Lord, Master and Savior.
2. And then run the race to act, say and do the right things that the knowledge of the scriptures and the guidance of the Holy Spirit will truly inspire within them,
3. And to never stop learning* God's Holy Word, for It will give you your second wind upon the many times that you will need it throughout your race to the finish line, and on into an eternal kinship with Christ.

The Christian's life-long race is like no other, as is the reward.

* When Jesus told Peter what his final days would be like, the next thing he said to Peter was: "Follow Me". Even if the Lord wills that we live to be very old, we are to keep learning God's Word the best that we can.

Rik Charbonneaux is a retired NE Iowan who loves all of God's Word and all of His creatures.