One of Aesop's Fables came to mind this morning when I was trying to muster up some enthusiasm for the day, you know; the one about the Energizer Bunny. Oops... wrong cultural icon! I mean that one about a tortoise and a hare. It's so improbable! Seems that the rabbit challenged the old turtle to a race, knowing full well that he was so superior in running abilities to his short-legged, heavy-shelled friend that the outcome was a foregone conclusion. Turtle accepted the challenge because he knew rabbit was much too over-confident! Mr. Rabbit ran quickly ahead and turned off the course to find a shade tree and catch a nap. Meanwhile, Mr. Turtle plodded along,not stopping even though he, too, was tired. When rabbit awakened and ran to the finish line, he found turtle waiting for him with a bit of advice - 'slow and steady wins the race!'
Consistency cannot be over-rated - but it often is. In our culture we love those who are attractive - physically and/or psychologically. We let ourselves be charmed by appearances. The consequence of this is that the rewards often go to those who 'look' like winners, those who wow us at first presentation. We are too often deceived. Mere ordinary mortals, like the majority of us, observe this trend and come to the conclusion that because we don't have 'the look' we cannot compete in the race, that we will never win. That's not true. Stars may get the attention, but the faithful plodders usually carry the heaviest part of the load in life. They are not overly self-confident. They know that they can compensate for what they lack in 'star power' with hard work, networking, and showing up every day, on time, ready to do wha they are asked to do. In the end, when the star has dropped out, burnt out, or moved on; the steady one is still standing!
Christian, God needs steady plodders in His Kingdom. Christianity has its share of super-stars who can tell miracle stories, though I often wonder about their veracity. We are drawn our culture's myth that 'if we know the secret' then life will be easy and always work in our favor. We think that the bright and beautiful have found the key to the 'life I've always wanted.' Even our preachers imply that what we seek will be found in the next seminar; in the best-selling book, or in whatever city where the 'revival' is breaking out! But, it is just not the truth.
The Spirit of God is with us, right here, right now. He gives strength to the faithful who seek Him. The Bible calls on us to endure: to keep on walking in His strength even when we just want to lay down and rest. Paul reminds us: "I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen. This is a trustworthy saying: If we die with him, we will also live with him. If we endure hardship, we will reign with him." (2 Timothy 2:10-12, NLT) We are called to soldier on in the struggle with the World, the Flesh, and the Devil! Conflict, by definition, is exhausting. We live in a world that is not our home, not a paradise; where the Evil One is working to destroy all that is good and of God. The power structures that surround us are corrupt. They oppose the will of God which includes living a life of love, integrity, humility, faithfulness, and sacrificial service. Our own internal desires are often at odds with the call of the Spirit to holiness. We all struggle with temptation to lust, or greed, or laziness, or pride! (That list could be longer, but I don't want to discourage you anymore than I have already.)
Are you weary today? Me, too.
Got some unanswered questions? Me, too.
Keep walking! Take the steady, standing wisdom of God's Word to heart. He says "Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. ... So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you!
Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised." (Hebrews 10:23-24, 35-36, NLT)
If you hang in there, you will be able to say, at the very end of this earthly life:
"This is the only race worth running. I've run hard right to the finish,believed all the way. All that's left now is the shouting—God'sapplause! Depend on it, he's an honest judge. He'll do right ... by everyone eager for his coming. "
(2 Timothy 4:7-8, The Message)
Ah, disciple, the celebration at the finish line is going to be some party! I want to finish well and be a part of it, don't you?
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