Thought for 31 October

Philippians 3:14

I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. 

When I was at school (some considerable time ago), prizes were awarded to the best performing pupils based on schoolwork and their teacher’s assessment on how well they had applied themselves throughout the school year.  Sometimes the awards could appear unfair and the boys and girls that just missed out could be really disappointed.  At the same time, there were others, that for various reasons could never imagine even coming close to being awarded a prize.  My own memory tells me that it was good to attend these prize-giving  services if you were getting a prize and not so good if you weren’t.  Customs and ceremonies such as this, attracted criticism as being potentially biased and unfair and this led to schools being encouraged to focus on educational equity and the needs of all students rather than focussing on and rewarding the most academically gifted. 

The saying ‘keep your eyes on the prize’ is an expression we often hear in a sporting context that can be used as a form of motivation.  If you keep telling yourself this or others keep reminding you, hopefully it is an aid that might help you achieve the objective you have set out to achieve, put distractions aside and overcome any obstacles to your progress.  Seemingly, the phrase originated and was used frequently in the USA in the fifties and sixties and was associated with the civil rights movement.  In this instance, it was all about maintaining focus on a common objective of being seen as equals in society rather than being discriminated against due to skin colour. 

In today’s reading, Paul is teaching about the heavenly prize that awaits us all.  He describes life as a race, but not the type of race where only the winners are the victors.  The essential objectives are firstly, just to take part, and secondly, to complete it.  Anyone who ignores the call will forfeit his/her chance to be a participant in this unique opportunity.  It is a miracle in itself that we have the option of being one of the runners in this very special race and it is only down to what Jesus achieved during his time on earth that made participation in this race possible.  We have to be ‘in it, to win it’.  Only then can we receive our ‘heavenly prize’ of eternity in the presence of our God and Saviour. 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank you for opening our hearts and minds that we may become your children.  Help each and every one of us live our lives as you would have us live.  Help us run the race that you have set before us and pick us up when you see us flagging.  Remind us each day Lord that through every disappointment, every problem, every challenge we face in this world that we are your children.  In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.