Going for the Gold

But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:13-14

I was watching the Olympics last night.  I took in a little of the men's mogul finals, some speed skating and, although it's one of my least favorites, figure skating.  While they're are vastly different sports, one thing is really clear.  Every athlete was completely devoted to his or her sport. When we watch the competition we see an amazing, but very brief display of athleticism (the fastest mogul run was under 23 seconds).  The athletes, coaches, and their families know the full story.  Years of hard work, training, and sacrifice had to be put in before they could even reach the starting gate and even then there was only a small chance of winning.

Paul was familiar with this kind of athletic training.  Many of the cities he visited held very popular competitions and the Ancient Olympics were still being held during Paul's lifetime. It's quite possible that he had this in mind when he was writing his letter to the Philippians. Paul is using the metaphor of the race to remind the Philippians of his singular focus on Jesus and through that encourage them to follow his example.  It leads me to ask the question, am I running to win the prize?

This Wednesday we enter into the season of Lent.  I grew up thinking that Lent was a few weeks when you couldn't have desserts or eat meat on Fridays, but now I realize it's far more than that.  Lent is a time of focus, or to keep with the athletic theme, a time of training.  40 days are set aside (it technically extends 46 days, but you get Sundays off!) to remove distractions, or fast, so you can place your efforts more fully on allowing the Holy Spirit to form you in the image of Christ. Sounds like a good idea to me! 

So how are you doing?  Could you use a little help as you pursue Christ?  Give Lent a try.  Removing something from your schedule or better yet, adding in a regular time of prayer or Bible study could be exactly what you need help you to run...and run to win!

Finding Inspiration

I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.

John 13:15

We all set goals. If you're like me, your record of success is mixed. At the first TNW of the semester, I talked about my goal of getting healthy. This has been on my New Year's resolution list several times before, but, like most of the others on the list, it was forgotten by February. This year it's different. I'm staying on track and I've lost 13 pounds since Christmas!

Last night, as I was inspecting the nutritional info on a box of doughnuts (which I didn't eat), a friend asked what I was doing. When I told her about my goals she was surprised. She had thought that I had been blessed with an overactive metabolism. That got me thinking--why have I been so successful this time when I've failed so many other times before? I think part of the answer is found in external motivation. Last year, my father had a heart attack. A few months ago, my twin brother informed me of his blood pressure issues and the cholesterol medication he was taking. That's when I knew I needed to make some changes. On the positive side, both my brother and my wife have started to change their habits too. I also found a website that helps me chart my progress. That's a lot of external motivation!

This Wednesday we begin the season of Lent. It's 40 days (counted Ash Wednesday through Easter, not including Sundays) of preparation for the celebration of Jesus' resurrection. Although it has a biblical foundation (Jesus fasted for 40 days before he started his public ministry), Jesus never told us we had to do it. So why have his followers been observing Lent for centuries? One simple answer is that it works. Setting aside a period of time every year to grow closer to Jesus and serve those around us has a way of helping the image of God become more visible. Are you struggling with finding time for God in your schedule? Lent can be a great motivation to carve out a few moments every day for prayer and study. Are you finding certain things are distracting you from growing more like Jesus? Lent can be a great time to fast, or take a break from these things. Are you struggling with selfishness? Committing yourself to regular service over the next 40 days can go a long way in changing your heart. Observing Lent is starting to sound like a pretty good idea to me! Give it a try and see if a little external motivation will work for you. Need some more motivation? Millions of Christians all over the world will be joining you in your pursuit!