Running Toward Perfection
By Shelly Schumacher
“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 3:14
Most runners will tell you that they are constantly in search of the perfect run. I have run four marathons, each with the goal of having the perfect race. The first one was the ideal temperature but it was very windy, the second one had calmer winds but it was quite warm, the third one was a calm day with a perfect temperature, but I woke up with a cold, and the forth one was the hottest October day in the history of the race. By Shelly Schumacher
“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 3:14
Just as my goal of marathon perfection has yet to be realized, God regularly teaches me that this is not the goal that I should be seeking. Instead He asks me to cling to Him so that He can be perfection in me. And the kind of perfection He gives includes wholeness, complete-ness, lacking nothing.
God teaches us that in life, as in running, “perfect” is implausible. Yet we still run towards this goal. What we often forget is that perfect is not something that can be attained here on earth. It will not be found in the most glorious afternoon run or even an Olympic dream finally realized. However, if we set our sights on things not of this world, but rather those of eternity, the goal seems conceivable.
What does that mean for our time here on earth? As we run our races of life, be they going through our daily grind or actual foot races, we can direct our energy upward. Only by focusing on the infinite prizes found in Jesus can our faith be perfected. And, while that perfect run will most assuredly elude us here on earth, when we focus on the Perfecter of our faith, even our most daunting workout will bring us closer to the perfect prize.
GOING DEEPER:
1. Do you struggle with trying to make your daily life perfect?
2. How different would your walk with Christ look if you focused not on the goal of perfection on earth, but in being made perfect for eternity?
3. What “prizes” do you have in Jesus Christ? Ask God to help you appreciate and develop these more in your life.
FURTHER READING:
1 Corinthians 9:24; Hebrews 6:1; Romans 8:28
Shelly is wife to Nick and mom to her two girls. She spends her time freelancing as a writer/PR professional, and is active in Oakwood's worship and drama ministries.
