Survivor
“Like a man running a race, I try hard to reach the line so that I will receive the prize. Because we belong to Christ Jesus, God is calling us to receive this prize that he has for us in heaven. Philippians 3:14 (WE)
I heard a story about the first program of the television series “Survivor.” It was being filmed in Africa, and one native African had an astute comment as he watched the filming. He said, “Let me in the competition. I will win every time.” And he would have because he had the skills and wisdom needed to survive every test or race or contest the “Survivor” contestants had to endure.
I’m in a test like that, not a contest, but a test with just one right answer. The race consists of the way I live my life on earth. There is only one prize, and I am absolutely sure that I will get it. I know without a doubt that I will win the contest—pass the test—win the race.
I know that I will win not because I’ve been a churchgoer all of my life, and it’s not because I pray a lot. It’s not because I read the Bible daily, and it’s not because I give to the poor. It’s not because I treat my neighbor the way I want to be treated, and it’s not even because I know who Jesus is. These are all things that God expects from winners, but they are not the reasons we win.
Oh, I forgot to tell you, I won the prize the moment I started the race. As soon as the race started, I said, “Jesus, please forgive me for my sins. I receive you as my Lord and Savior.” From that moment on it has been a sealed deal. One other important thing to know is that everyone who runs the race is eligible to win the prize. It’s the only race where each runner decides whether he will win the prize or not. Run the race the way I did, and you will be declared the winner. The prize—eternity in heaven with Jesus. See you in the winners’ circle, or should I say heaven?
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