Restoring the Image (Part 30) – Pressing On Toward the Finish Line

Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13-14)

Ever run a race? You know the feeling of seeing finish line in the distance and everything in your body is telling you stop but your brain is saying, “Ju can duit!” I use to run triathlons and what an excruciating experience. Swim, bike, run, collapse. But oh, what a feeling when I finally crossed the finish line! It was worth it all.

The finish line is quite evident in the Christian life: being with Christ. We talk about it all the time. It’s that point where we will finally be completely restored. But sometimes there are so many distractions that we lose sight of the end and wonder why we are even running. It is certain that this life takes endurance and perseverance (Heb 10.36, Jm 1.12). So how do we keep our “eye on the prize?”

Let me suggest 3 things:
· Remember that restoration is a process and we will be working on becoming like Jesus for the rest of our lives. This is a marathon not a sprint (Heb 12.1-2).
· Remember that our restoration is secure in the person of Christ not our own efforts. Our faith and hope is in Jesus. If it is based on our performance, we are sunk (Eph 2.8-9, Titus 3.5).
· And finally, remember there is nothing to compare to our eternal future with Christ. This life is but a vapor (Jm 4.14) and in Yogi Berra style, “Eternity is a very long time.”

Keep your eyes on the finish line and press on to the high calling of Christ.

(Part 1) – The Glory of His Image

(Part 2) – Too Much of a Good Thing

(Part 3) – We Need a Savior

(Part 4) – The Restoration Process: The Father

(Part 5) – The Restoration Process: The Son

(Part 6) – The Restoration Process: Discipleship

(Part 7) – The Restoration Process: Discipleship Continued

(Part 8) – The Restoration Process: One-on-One Discipleship

(Part 9) – The Restoration Process: Tools and Techniques

(Part 10) – The Restoration Process: Dangers

(Part 11) – The Holy Spirit: The Breath of Life