Racing Toward The Finish

"But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers." - 1 Peter 4:7 (NKJV)

I love the Summer Olympics, especially track and field, since I used to run track. What's the most exciting moment of any race? The last 20, 40, 50 yards toward the end. The athletes are at full stride, pushing themselves to the limit with everything they have, finishing with complete purpose and focus.

Lydia and I watch ball games together - well, let me rephrase that. I watch ball games while she sits beside me, reading or watching funny videos on her phone. Inevitably, there's one minute to go, and one team is down by one or two points; she gets up and says, "Well, it's time to go to bed."

I'm like, "This is the very end! This is what counts most! The game hangs in the balance!" But she's done. She's checked out. Why? Because her mind wasn't in it to begin with. My mind, focus, and energy have been fully engaged in this game, and in those final minutes, everybody who's invested is on high alert.

That's what Peter is saying. Live with intentionality. It's one minute to go, and the game hangs in the balance. This is the deciding moment. Live with purpose, intentionality, and focus.

When Peter says "be serious," he means have sound judgment - keep a good head on your shoulders, live with a sound mind. "Watchful" originally meant to abstain from wine but came to convey being sober-minded, not allowing things to influence your mind or lower your morals. Be clear-minded, wise, and exercise sound judgment.

"The end of all things is at hand." Eternity is just around the corner. Live with intentionality. Live your life focused on prayer. What are we doing when we pray? We're asking God to move in our situation or circumstance. Peter reminds his readers that Christ's second coming may soon occur, or they may unexpectedly enter eternity. Eternity is just around the corner.

Here's the question that should grip every heart: How would it impact your life if you knew you didn't have long to live? What relationships would you rebuild? What distractions would you avoid? What activities would you pursue? Peter says live like that right now.

Reflection Question: What "distractions" are keeping you from living with the focus and intensity of a runner in the final stretch?

Father, help me to run this race of faith with the intensity of an Olympic athlete in the final stretch. Don't let me be distracted or lose focus when the stakes are highest. Give me clarity of mind and purity of heart. Help me to be serious about prayer and watchful in my spirit. I want to finish strong for You, living every day as if it could be my last. In Jesus' Name, amen.

Adapted from "On the Edge of Eternity" (1 Peter 4:7-11): https://www.joshfranklin.org/media/cx4wgnb/20-on-the-edge-of-eternity-1-peter-4-7-11