Keep Looking Straight Ahead

Annette’s palms were sweaty with nervousness for her first grade school competition. Mrs. Kehl had encouraged her to use her long-legged stride for the relay event. As with every annual Track and Field Day at St. John’s, dark clouds were moving in overhead. Teammate #1 started off in good form. She rounded the curve, running swiftly towards the handoff. Light raindrops hit the track as Annette took her “ready” position. “This is always the scariest part,” she thought, running and grabbing the baton with a firm, practiced grip. 

“Way to go, Annette! Up to speed now. You got this!” the coach encouraged.

Rounding the last curve, she saw Crystal ready for the handoff. Because this team member was the shortest of the three, Annette wondered about her own backward reach.  

“Keep looking straight ahead!” someone shouted. But at that same instant, Annette’s head turned to look behind at the baton exchange. The slight movement pulled Annette off balance, her right foot slipping. As she fell, it caused Crystal to stumble. The relay race was lost. 

“Keep your eye on the goal” is a phrase used for mentoring success in sports and other disciplines. The Apostle Paul used sport illustrations as he wrote about the need for Christian self-discipline. He coached the believers in Corinth to “Run in such a way as to get the prize... do not run like someone running aimlessly … do not fight like a boxer beating the air.“ (I Corinthians 9:24-26) With these same words, God is encouraging us to be goal-orientated “for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings” (I Corinthian 9:23) here and in eternity. 

So if knowing and sharing God’s love is as simple as keeping our bodies (and mind) fixed on His will, why do we often lose focus?

Are we tempted to take our eyes off the Prize and, instead, look backward?

I admit a tendency to dwell on my tainted, selfish past, and then doubt God would use such a sinner for his holy purpose. 

Saul can relate. This Hebrew of Hebrews, a Pharisee who pursued (man-made) works-righteousness, violently persecuted the church, including approving the death of Christ-followers! Even after his enlightening encounter with Jesus Christ  how could Saul, (now Paul) not feel immobilized by unworthiness?  

When doubt about God’s grace creeps in to your life, look around for an accusing snake. Refute Satan’s lies and soothe your conscience by proclaiming Paul’s words;

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)

 

Like a confused young child who runs at first to the opponent’s goal line, our Coach forgives, redirects, and retains us on his forever team.

(Originally published for Holy Hen House)