Ready...Set...Keep Going

As a kid, we did many "ready…set…go" competitions. Whether we were running or riding bikes to a neighbor's house didn't matter. It was a race, we competed, and it was fun! We went at it with all we had.

I am afraid we lose that enthusiasm and "fun" as we go through life's journey. At age 66, I NEVER do the ready, set, go competition! This is unfortunate. While I may not be able to run physically, I can still enthusiastically run life's race—to the end. 

Today, I strive to be a "ready-set-keep going" kind of guy. Or, just maybe, I should wake up every morning and say, "Ready-set-go!" as I get out of bed and prep for the day's race.

In the New Testament of the Bible, the Apostle Paul has something to say on this subject when writing to the church in ancient Philippi. "If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me" (Philippians 1:22).

Paul had a great desire to be productive – fruitful – until the end of his days. He goes on to state: "

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.  Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. 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 3:12-14).

I think Paul continued to be a "ready-set-go" kind of guy—every day. He never quit, he never slowed down, and he stayed true to his mission. He was rounding the corner of his Third Turn, looking to the finish line of his work, when he wrote these words to Timothy, a young mentee of his.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing "(2 Timothy 4:7-8).

Consider joining me in our newly launched Maestro-level leader Cohort, jointly sponsored by the Christian Leadership Alliance (We can take a couple of new participants between now and July). It will greatly help you follow Paul's example!