Run, boy, run!
I took this shot during one of the races. Hope the guy in the picture doesn’t mind me posting his picture for the whole world to see =)
Nicely taken isn’t it? Hehe.

Last Saturday, 12th May, I attended my ex-school Sri Lethia’s 24th Annual Sports Day. Thanks to Suba for fetching me, Jolene and the rest for inviting me. There were students of all races, color, creed and languages. People young and old were there too. The atmosphere was pretty tensed for everyone as they await their turn to run and compete on the track. Sweat running down their chest and eyes staring at the track, the runners’ hearts were racing inside. I witnessed many races and I learnt a lot from each race as I observe the runners.

I would like to bring your attention to one particular race in this post. If I am not mistaken, it was the 800 meter flat race. The runners had to run two whole rounds around the track. All the runners had to register themselves and got their numbers to have it pinned to their front and back. As they got ready and waited for the siren to go off, I was looking at them and silently cheering for Suba, one of my Lethian friends. The siren went off “PEEP” and the runners got on their feet and stared running. Some started slow and some started fast. Each of them had their own strategy depending on their stamina. The ones that started slow had in mind to conserve energy and use it all their might during the last 200 meter or so. As I was watching, after the first round, a girl from the yellow house stopped running and walked off the track leaving the rest of the remaining 400 meter un-ran. She was exhausted and decided to give up and quit. This disqualified her from the race because she could not finish the 800 meter run.

The Christian journey is similar to a race the runners run on the track. Christians have their own race and like the running sports, there is only one prize. Unlike the running sports, this prize is given to all and everyone is liable to have one. It is the prize of everlasting life in Christ Jesus.
Christians also run a race, like the runners, we register ourselves for the race and get the number the day we decide to invite Jesus into our lives. Once we are registered, we are off for the race that will determine whether we get the prize or not.

Sadly to say, many Christians are like the girl that gave up half way through the race. I have been a Christian long enough to see many Christians give their lives to Jesus but half way down this track called Life, they decided to give back their numbers, stop and give up. Instead of running the right track, they fall away and take a different track which seems easier to them but eventually it leads to death.

Like the girl, we never choose to leave the race. All we want is to win, win and win. But know that it is we to be blamed if we leave the race and disqualify ourselves. The girl who gave up had herself to blame. And those of you who gave up have yourselves to blame. It is my heart’s cry to all Christians never to leave the race. Persevere through and run, run and run.
The running sports have this rule stating that whoever leaves the race half way or give up can never enter into the race again, they are out and have to compete in a different race. As for the current race, they are disqualified. Well it makes sense right?
But blessed are the Christians. Our race is unlike the world’s. For those who have given up, note this: There is still time for you to get back on the track. Do it now before it is too late.
It is my prayer that all who has fallen away from the race, the track, the Way will choose to get back now.

All tracks lead to death but there is one that leads to life.
The track?

John 14:6
Jesus said, “I am the WAY
and the truth and the life…”

Jesus’ Way, Jesus’ Track.

Don’t Give Up Running…

Still Running,
Zlwin Chew