THE RACE OF FAITH

A person becomes a Christian
The moment Christ enters their heart;
Being born into the family of God,
They’re given a brand new start.

Paul spoke of the Christian faith
as if it were a race,
Which every one should tirelessly run
in gratitude for God’s grace.

The Saints of old ran the race
looking toward their eternal reward;
Hurdling temptation as it came,
Pacing themselves in the Lord.

For many of them the finish line
was persecution unto death;
But even then, they did commend
Jesus with their perishing breath.

Most “christians” today seem different,
even going to church is a chore;
And should they decide to attend,
Certainly don’t ask for more!

Time and money they invest in the world
all they can afford,
Then act offended if someone doubts
that they truly love the Lord.

They drag Jesus through the dirt
as over sinful hurdles they fall,
Failing to focus their eyes on the One
who gave for them His all...

The goal of every Christian should be
for Jesus to take first place,
By enduring in the pursuit of holiness
as we daily run the race.

“Let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and
the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run
with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing
our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith.”
Hebrews 12:1-2 (NASB)

©1996 A. Mitchell Moore, Jr.