Running and Toiling for Jesus
2:16b so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain.
In this verse, Paul uses two of his favorite images for the Christian life: running a race (Cf. 3:13-14; 1Cor.9:24-25; Gal.2:2; 5:7) and hard labor (Cf. 1Thes.5:12; 1Cor.15:10; 16:16; Gal.4:14).
The image of running a race describes the Christian life well because there is a focus on the finish line, with glory to follow. But both images speak to the fact that great effort is required in the Christian life.
The path God has called us to walk (or run, if you will) is not a path of ease. If is a path of effort and toil and struggle and conflict and sacrifice. It is not a vacation. He calls us to do well and not grow weary of doing it (Gal.6:9). He calls us to do all things wholeheartedly as unto Him (Col.3:23). He calls us to go into strict training, disciplining our bodies and making them our slaves (1Cor.9:25-27). In short, He calls us to live our lives in Christ with all our might.
Do the images of running and toiling reflect the vigor with which we live out our Christian lives?
If not, why not? I know for me that it is partly laziness (wanting to avoid hassle) and partly a lack of zeal for my Savior. But it is also a lack of love for others. I don’t run and toil because I don’t care enough about the eternal destiny of others.
My friends, have we been tricked? Have we been fooled? Have we been duped into thinking that earthly comfort is of great value? Have we fallen into the trap of trying to carve out a place of security and ease here on this earth? Jesus calls us to give up everything to follow Him. You can’t take along your Jacuzzi and TV set.
Ever since God cursed the earth, it has required hard labor to bring forth fruit. We still live on a cursed earth. The sweat of the brow is still the order of the day. Trying to avoid it is making an idol of comfort. Our comfort is not here and now. Our rest comes at the end of the race, at the end of a long day of hard labor for our Master.
Jesus said, "We must work the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day; night is coming when no one can work." (John 9:4)
Father, forgive me for how faint is my passion for the One who was zealous for my salvation. Forgive me for my laziness and my selfishness. Please fill me with Your power so I might labor ceaselessly and tirelessly for You. Thank You for Your great love. May it compel me to love others sacrificially. May I toil and sweat for the One who sweat drops of blood for me.