Running the Race Straight Ahead
February 2026 - Bruce Fairbairn, Elder
Last month’s communion message focused on how we can have confident hope moving forward into the future because of what Christ has done, is doing and will do in our lives. We can look forward to the future with full trust and confidence in God’s promises. Numerous Scriptures speak of spiritual renewal, a new heart, new birth, new mercies each morning and a new way of living as we become new persons in Christ. During our individual walks of faith—the sanctification journey–we are encouraged through the Spirit to put away our sinful pasts and instead “put on your new nature and be renewed as you learn to know your creator and become like Him.” (Colossians 3:10 NLT)
Some of my favorite Scriptures liken this sanctification journey to running a race. Paul wrote to the church at Philippi regarding his single-minded goal to know Christ, to be like Him and, in his life, to be all Christ has in mind for him: “Not that I have already obtained this, or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have yet made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:12-14 ESV) The Book of Hebrews says “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith…” (Hebrews 12: 1-2 NIV)
Many years ago, I read a National Geographic article about an elderly African-American farmer in southern Indiana. His parents had been sharecroppers, but he owned a small farm that he worked alone with an old mule and a single-bladed plow. The reporter marveled how straight and even the furrows in his field were and asked how he did this. This old farmer must’ve known his Bible well as he explained that he simply looks to Heaven, thanks God for His blessings, points his mule straight ahead, says “giddy up” and does not look back!
Great advice as we progress along our sanctification journeys with the indwelling Christ. When we celebrate the Lord’s Supper we are strengthened and energized along this journey to face the future confidently and resolutely. We can run the race straight ahead and not look back.
Bruce Fairbairn – Elder
