Diligently Seeking

I’ve begun training for a 5K run.  It’s my first event and it’s to help raise money for a charitable organization that I’m proud to sponsor.  The training, so far, hasn’t been too bad since I have been jogging periodically as part of my regular exercise regime.  However, knowing the event is upcoming, certainly adds a level of intensity to my focus and training.  I find myself being much more careful about what I eat.  I printed out a training schedule that I strictly follow and have my husband serving as coach/motivator throughout the process.  What’s interesting is that I’ve put so much energy into researching and planning every detail for an event that won’t last long. And it made me question whether we put the same intensity, research and planning into the event that will take us into eternity- the coming and reign of our Lord, Jesus Christ!

Are we diligently praying, and studying the word; not just reading it?  Are we sharing our faith with others so that they too can have the blessing of salvation?  Are we putting in the hard work of practicing self-control and eliminating from our lives the things that aren’t pleasing to the Lord?  Are we growing the fruits of the Spirit so that others can be blessed?

 

Hebrews 2:3 says: “How shall we escape [appropriate retribution] if we neglect and refuse to pay attention to such a great salvation [as is now offered to us, letting it drift past us forever]?” Although training for a 5K, and planning other events are important to our life, we should not fail to be as diligent, if not more diligent, with our salvation.  “…work out (cultivate, carry out to the goal, and fully complete) your own salvation with reverence and awe and trembling (self-distrust, with serious caution, tenderness of conscience, watchfulness against temptation, timidly shrinking from whatever might offend God and discredit the name of Christ). [Not in your own strength] for it is God who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight” (Philippians 2:12-13).

Lets stay focused on what's truly important...eternal salvation!