Power UP | Good Fight
The Good Fight
Fighting for something without focusing on winning isn’t a concept we are very familiar with. When is the last time you went to a sporting event and cheered for you team to just finish? I’m going to guess you haven’t done that. We don’t think of finishing as a success, we often think the only reason to try is to win. You know, if you’re not first your last… That mentality can often stop us from even trying, especially if we don’t think we can come out victorious. Entering a 10k run without training might be silly, but not entering because you don’t think you can win… That’s a different story. If the people who entered those races only did so because they thought they could win, then we would see races with only a handful of people in them. Sometimes the best victory we can experience is simply finishing. Run the race, not to win, but to finish. Work through those arguments and fights, not to win, but to continue on together in harmony. Fight for your marriage not to win, but to become stronger with, and for the other person. Fight, but fight to finish the race.
Further reading | 2 Timothy 4:1-8
I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he comes to set up his Kingdom: 2 Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.
3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths.
5 But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.
6 As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. 8 And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.