A great deal of scholars and experts have described the human life in so many ways. In fact, there are as much definitions of life as there are humans. Some see it as a circus that is filled with fun and merriments, some as a battle ground that offers you two options—fight to get the best out of it or die a nobody, and some as a race that can be won or lost based on how intense you see it, just to mention a few. Today, a notable man in history analyzed his entire brief stay on earth this way ‘I came, I saw and I conquered’. Quite unfortunate that though his views about life were right but it wasn’t channeled to the things that matters most—eternal glory.

           However, these are the perspectives Paul the apostle wants us to view this life if we are to end it in heaven. Firstly, it must be seen as a race with a reward that can be won or lost eternally and there is no spectator in it. Everyone is actively involved and is given only one chance to participate. And once lost, one can never get the opportunity for a rerun. This is why It calls for a complete dependence on the only one who had finished perfectly and promises strength on those who will rely on him—Jesus. Paul says “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Trust me, there is absolutely no way you can ever win this race based on your determination and decision.

          Secondly, it must be seen as a battle. A battle against the forces of darkness who have vowed to make sure you lose the race. These powers have set distractions on the running line. They are willing to go to any length, do anything just to make sure you are lost eternally. And sadly, so many runners, with good intentions and those that focused on the reward lost it to worldliness, laziness, carelessness, money, food before they could even get to the finishing line. I know and have heard of people who at the last minutes of their stay on earth lost their ticket to heaven to immorality. One I know of had his wife crying so intensely despite all the comfort from the brethren that he was truly a Christian in words and deeds; Finally she told us that she was crying because she knows she had lost him to hell for all eternity because he had a misunderstanding with her and did not settle it before his death. You must be vigilant and sober at all times. As a Christian, never should you go out after the dawn of the day without first, spending time with the Sustainer of your faith in your closet pleading with him to prepare you for every temptation that might come your way and give you the grace to overcome.

          Remember he that overcomes shall inherit all things. Therefore you must run this race with two ideas hung at the back of your thought.  One, it must be run with a complete laying aside of every distractions of life set by the devil to catch your attention.  Also you must run with your spiritual eyes fixed firmly on the lord Jesus who supplies the strength to finish well. Ask yourself; who controls your life, the Savior or self? When you visit or invite friends, the time and manner of how you eat, the places you go, your clothes and how you wear them, how you get and spend your money, what takes most of your time; who gives the directives, the Holy Spirit or your feelings?  If you still have reason to implore your feelings, wisdom, strength, abilities, knowledge in any affairs however small, without waiting  on the mind of the Spirit, however good or righteous it may be, it is of the flesh and will always hinder Christ’s strength from assisting you in finishing the race. You must know that they that are fleshly do mind the things of the flesh and they that are spiritual only the things of the Spirit. To finish your race in heaven, you must develop yourself to involving the Holy Spirit in everything you do. You must learn to always say ‘what is the mind of the Spirit in this or that matter.’ These decisions you make must be a clear and settled fact in your daily walk with God. Don’t forget that your days are numbered on earth and every choice and decision you make today will either make or mar your race to eternity, therefore ‘strive to enter for many shall desire to enter therein but will not be able.’

REMAIN RAPTURABLE!!!