RACE OF CHRISTIANITY- THE SPIRITUAL RACE Our objective in Christianity We The Humans love to be driven by objective. It is in our mindset to take the best route with a strong plan in order to finish our goal as faster as we could. It’s very easy to think, but not that simple to achieve our desired place, since there will be often so many hindering factors. It could be hopelessness or exhaustion which discourages our drive to finish it, or there could be other distracting elements that could divert our focus while running. Considering these Scenarios, is there any way we could use to run without losing our focus? Yes! The Simplest method that we could always apply is to – Know your Reward! When we have a clear idea about the background and the outcome of our objective, we can run without getting distracted and run straight towards to the finish line that we are aiming for. Question Yourself! “Why have I started this race?” “What am I running for?” “Is That position is waiting for me?”- if we keep this kind of mental standpoint, it becomes easier for us to concentrate for the finish line. Just Like a Normal Race, we as the Christians, also have a goal to achieve. If we carefully look at all aspects of this goal, not only it is simply a goal for those who got to know Jesus or have received salvation, but it’s also applicable for the entire world and creation itself. It is easy to know all about the race, but hard to participate and run the race, because it’s a burden or should I call it “a cross” is heavy to bear. It is a cross that we have to carry each and every day. Which is why we must renew our grace and strength every day! but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. [Isaiah 40:31]. Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, [Hebrews 12: 1]. Understanding the race in Christianity What is our race in Christianity? What could be the possible aspects of devising our objective? As I said earlier, if we have to run our race without losing our faith, we must know the history behind the objective, and we must have a clear understanding behind the subject so that the truth can be interpreted and we can set our eyes on the outcome. Let us first look at how our race started, what happened? and what it led into the course of actions for any believer of Christ could relate to. When God created the world and set the base for existence of everything, it was formed in innocence since it was created in perfection. The world did not have any flaws or discordance, so it was harmonious as we see in genesis about Eden Garden. We can read that God used to visit man during the cool of the day. But when Serpent deceived our man into committing a sin, it led to another sin. Then into another sin, & then the chain of sins started through the foolish actions of humankind. It introduced impurity to the world which was pure, perfect and holy. The work of God was defiled. Since it became unholy and impure, the God could not bear the sight of it and had to leave his own Creation which was rightfully his. Hence the world transferred its rights of ownership from God to Satan - from Light to Darkness. Then Satan ruled over it by making humankinds his Puppet, controlling their mind and actions. But how could the Lord which is full of love, just abandon what he had created by his love? So, this is where he implied the incredible plan for the world’s salvation into action. He planned everything ahead and when the right time came, he sent his own son to become a sacrifice once and for all. [John 3:16] Jesus became the hope of salvation, and the prince of peace, so as according to the will of God. Once again, he started setting foundations to renew the world from its roots. The root cause of defilement of the world was sin which was continuously being committed by man, so Jesus had to be born as a man, as the ‘son of man’. In the form of man, Jesus conquered sin. He even experienced death, but death could not surmount him as he never committed any sin. Hence, he was victorious over death. [2 Timothy 1:10] He planted the seeds of the upcoming holy kingdom, and as he left, he left this victory and his blessings in form of gifts with us in a hope of turning the tide when the time comes. Till then, leaving the world in our hands. From all this, we can say that this race, which was Started by us, defiled ans corrupted was improvised as ‘the race of Christianity’ and it was all planned by God way ahead of time to save his creation - for his ‘beloved world’. But this all happened in past, what about our present situation? What is our role in it and how are we supposed to perform our duty? He said: “A man of noble birth went to a distant country to have himself appointed king and then to return. So he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas. ‘Put this money to work,’ he said, ‘until I come back. [ Luke 19:12, 13] If we compare the similarity within the characters of the parable and our world, Jesus left his guidance and blessings with us in order to grow more and more perfect each day till the return of his kingdom. We as his subject, have to preserve our faith and keep growing along with accumulating blessing we obtain from faith. It is important for us to show our progress to the God, as remaining as a same person will not pleasing him. since he wishes for us to cultivate our spirituality within ourselves, which is eligible criteria for his holy kingdom. If we look it in other aspect, the talents (coins) depict the souls we have brought into truth. The servants were supposed to invest the talents (coins), so they can earn more and bring it to their master, not to remain in the cold condition and keep it as it is. [ Matthew 25:14-30] As we already understand the truth of the true saviour through salvation, we are supposed to spread it, and earn more souls to bring into his presence, so that we can satisfy our God. Doing this will not only save the soul of others, but it will also increase the blessings that are reserved for us in heaven. [I Peter 2:9] Rohan Gosavi Case Study- Sunday School VBRS, 2022 Let’s keep it simple: our duty is to simply remain faithful, grow in spirituality and blessings, and introduce others to the truth behind the salvation. Our reward!- the outcome of our race We already know that if we are able to finish our race in Christ, we will receive our crown that is reserved in heaven for us. [James 1:12]. We are going to establish a relation with Jesus in his kingdom. It is arguable that we already have a connection with God through holy spirit as a medium. But in our current state, as long as there is sin in this world, our conversation and connection could be interrupted and even break the bond that is maintained by our spirituality. So, in order to remain faithful and keep our righteousness intact, God has provided us his assistance in form of holy spirit as a supporter, and his words as guidance. [Habakkuk 2:2]. Speaking of relationship with Jesus, it is not going to be just a close connection, but he will also assign us post just like Christ himself has one. The Christ is the priest of Melchizedek, the priest of Salem as well as he is prince of peace. He is the first born of all the creation. [Colossians 1:15] The prince of peace is the king of kings and lord of lords, and he is the priest of God forever and ever. As he has the priesthood and kingship, his subject- the victors of the race shall also have the similar post just like him. We will be unified as one in perfection and glory. We shall be rewarded according to our faith. And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. [Revelations 1:6] After studying all these aspects, it pinpoints at a single exposure- it is to keep our focus towards our race of spirituality till the end of our days. This race is more important than any of our other priorities: because as it is said, what will it benefit a man if he gains the whole world yet loses his life? [Mark 8:36]. We have to preserve ourselves in faith in order to continue our race. If we are able to maintain our focus and run without getting distracted, then we shall experience the blessings which are reserved for us in the kingdom of God as well as the blessings and grace made available for us in this world. I believe in Christ that all of us shall be able to finish the race of Christianity- ‘the spiritual race’ than has been given to us as ‘individual’. Yes, Through him, We Can! [Philippians 4:13]. Though it is given individually, our finishing point lies in the same direction: so, I pray for grace that all of us shall finish our race at our given time. Amen!