Steps to Victory

The winter Olympics will soon begin in South Korea. Athletes in every sport will be racing for the finish line. Those who cross first will be rewarded with gold medals and international fame.
But victory is more than crossing the finish line first. It includes all the steps you took to get there. The dedication. Hours of practice. Maintaining fitness. Focus. Faith. In this sense, every serious athlete is a winner.
In Christian circles, not every faithful believer will be seen in the  spotlight or declared “hero of the faith.” Their deeds of service may go unnoticed. Their sacrifices unrewarded. Their contribution may be deemed insignificant. Yet these are the steps that will finally lead to eternal victory.
For the Christian, “crossing the finish line” means more than claiming a medal or achieving fame. It means entering the presence of God and hearing Him say, “Well done.” Our heroes in the Bible aimed for that reward, laying aside any earthly ambition. Their example challenges us to aim higher and to keep running toward that goal.
As the Apostle Paul pointed out, “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”