“To Train Up A Child, Train Yourself!”

 “To Train Up A Child, Train Yourself!”

Jarrod M. Jacobs

 

           The book of Proverbs contains words of wisdom for all walks of life. Perhaps it is best known for the words of wisdom to parents and children. The family is the cornerstone of any society, and it is best for society when families are intact and abide by the word of God. Proverbs encourages this with reminders and admonitions to parents and children. In this study, let us examine Proverbs 22:6 in detail and apply it to ourselves. Proverbs 22:6 states: “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

            Upon closer examination, Proverbs 22:6 reveals that this verse is not primarily directed at children, but at parents. For a child to grow up knowing the “way he should go,” parents play a crucial role in shaping their development. Children cannot raise themselves. Solomon writes, “The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame” (Prov. 29:15). Hence, parents must be prepared to fulfill their duty as the primary teachers and trainers of their young ones.

            The need for instruction and teaching children accurately is repeated in the New Testament. Let us read what the Ephesian fathers were told to do: “And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4). Again, we see emphasis placed upon the responsibility parents have for their children.

What Am I To Teach My Child?

            No child comes with a set of instructions. However, a set of instructions does exist to help in the training and teaching of our children; it is the Bible! The Bible will provide all the instructions necessary for leading a child (or an adult) from earth to Heaven. God’s “divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness” (II Pet. 1:3). The Scriptures provide for these needs (II Tim. 3:16-17). “What am I to teach my child?” Let the Bible answer this question! A parent needs to teach his child ….

            God Is! This is the most fundamental area of our study. In a society that wishes to push God aside, we need to train up our children with the understanding that God is! We cannot read four words in the Bible without reading about God (Gen. 1:1). From this point, and throughout every page of Scripture, we see evidence of God. We can look in creation and see God’s handiwork (Ps. 19:1). Our children need to realize that they answer to a power higher than any other (Isa. 40)! He is the one who holds our breath in His hands (Dan. 5:23b). He is eternal (Ex. 3:14; Ps. 90:2), He is holy (Ps. 111:9; Isa. 6:3), and He loves us (Jn. 3:16; Rom. 5:8).

            We Have An Enemy In Satan. In contrast to God, who loves us, there is an enemy who hates us! Our children need to be taught that Satan is our “adversary” and goes about as a “roaring lion … seeking whom he may devour” (I Pet. 5:8). They need to be taught that he is a murderer from the beginning, and the father of lies (Jn. 8:44). Therefore, he does not love us. He is deceitful and tries constantly to tempt man to sin and lead him away from God, who loves him. This has been true since the beginning (Gen. 3:1-6). Even though our children start life innocent (Ezek. 18:20; Matt. 18:3), it is not long before Satan tries to appeal to them (as he appeals to all) through the lusts of the flesh and eyes and the pride of life (I Jn. 2:15-17). The reason he does this is in an attempt to get them to surrender to their lusts, and be tempted, so that they might sin before God and ultimately be lost in sin (Jas. 1:14-15; Rom. 6:23). Parents, make sure and teach your children that Satan is their enemy (I Pet. 5:8)!

            Our Sins Will Condemn Us. Sin is not a joke or a game. Sins condemn man to an eternity in Hell. The apostle Paul wrote, “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). Therefore, all those who have sinned are subject to condemnation if the problem is not fixed. Our children need to be taught that sin will condemn. It will keep us out of Heaven if we are not forgiven (I Cor. 6:9-10; Gal. 5:19-21; Rev. 21:8).

            There Is A Remedy For Sin. How great it is to be able to teach our children that though sin exists, and every one of us sins at times, that God has provided a remedy for sin. This remedy is to be found in His Son, Jesus Christ! When Jesus came into this world, died upon the cross of Calvary, and resurrected the third day (I Cor. 15:1-3), He made it possible for man to be forgiven of sins (I Tim. 1:15). In fact, Jesus declared to Zacchaeus, “The Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Lk. 19:10). Therefore, let our children be taught that there is a remedy for sin; and the remedy is found in Christ and no other!

            I Must Accept God’s Plan For Salvation. When we understand that the remedy for sin exists, the next question must be, “How is it possible that I can obtain this forgiveness?” Our children need to be taught that there is a solution to this problem. It is possible to obtain forgiveness when we believe in Christ as the Son of God. Jesus said, “If ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins” (Jn. 8:24). Therefore, we need to believe that He is the Son of God. Based upon that faith, it motivates us to repent of our sins. To repent means we turn away from our sins, so we can live a life that is pleasing to Christ. Our Lord said it this way: “Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish” (Lk. 13:3). This is how serious repentance is! Further, we must be willing to confess our faith in Christ. In so doing, we confess our faith in Christ as the Son of God, like Peter and the Ethiopian eunuch did (Matt. 16:16; Acts 8:37). Based upon this confession, one can be baptized for the remission of sins (Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:38). The apostle Peter wrote to Christians, reminding them, “...baptism doth also now save us” (I Pet. 3:21). If this is what the Bible teaches, then we need to be teaching our children to respect it, because through following God’s plan for salvation, we can be made free from sin (Rom. 6:16-18; Col. 2:12-13)!

            There Is Only One Church. In a world of religious confusion, the sooner we can teach our children about the one church that is found in the Bible, the better. When we read the Scriptures, we read of only one church, not thousands. This church, or called out body of people (I Pet. 2:9), is composed of Christians who have been added by God (Acts 2:47). Christ promised this church in Matthew 16:18. This church was the one spoken of as being in existence in Acts 2. It is the church of (belonging to) Christ (Rom. 16:16). The Lord’s church does not belong to a man, nor does it wear a man’s name. Let us train our children in such a way that they do not want to be associated with a man’s work, but instead want to be associated with God’s work and be part of God’s body, the church (Col. 1:18, 24). It is vital, for this church will one day be presented to Christ as a bride for her husband, and enter into Heaven forever (Eph. 5:27; I Cor. 15:24).

            Just As We Must Obey Parents, So We Also Must Obey God. Just as we expect children to obey their parents (Eph. 6:1-3), so also our children need to be trained to see the importance of obeying God (Rev. 22:14). In doing so, they will lead blessed lives.

            While the above is not an “exclusive list,” as parents, our responsibility is to train our children in the way they are supposed to go, so that when they are old, they will still be following that way, which will lead them to Heaven.

What If I, As A Parent, Do Not Know These Things?

            The answer to this question is found in the title of our study. We cannot teach what we do not know. Therefore, to “train up a child in the way he should go,” we must first train ourselves!

            How do we train ourselves? We do this by using the same book we use to train our children—the Bible. Therefore, let us take the initiative to read and learn the truth for ourselves so that we can teach it to our children. Take down the Bible from the shelf. Read it, study it, and obey it. When your children see you doing this, it provides a model example of what they need to do as well. Do not just tell them to read the Bible and obey its precepts; do it yourself. In teaching in this way, we are even more likely to keep our children faithful to God and lead them in a way that will bring them to Heaven one day. Truly, we will then be able to say with Solomon: “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Prov. 22:6)!

“A Bullet Can Silence A Voice But Not The Truth”

 “A Bullet Can Silence A Voice But Not The Truth”

Jarrod M. Jacobs

          I am sure our dear readers are familiar with the assassination of Charlie Kirk. In addition to his work on podcasts and Turning Point USA, as well as other social media outlets, Charlie spoke on numerous college campuses across the United States. In fact, he was scheduled to be on the IU campus in October of this year. (Prov. 27:1; Jas. 4:13-16 – I cite these passages as a reminder to us!) While his speeches encouraged and promoted conservative politics, if one listened closely, the primary focus in his work was on God, on morality, the sanctity of life, and having a purpose for living by focusing on Christ. I do not understand him to be a New Testament Christian, but he was someone who believed in God, Christ, the Bible, and encouraged the type of morals and righteous living the Bible teaches. Kirk was killed while speaking at the Utah Valley University campus in Orem, UT, on September 10. While his death has made headlines all over the world, please understand he was not the only person killed last week. There was a school shooting at Evergreen High School in Evergreen, CO, on the same day. In this shooting, two students and the shooter himself were killed. 2 more students were severely injured.

            The nation stood in horror and shock at the death of Kirk and those students in Colorado. The public execution of Charlie Kirk took place while the cameras rolled and while many thousands had gathered to hear him speak. How could someone be gunned down in such a horrific way? Those killed in Colorado were just trying to go to school, learn, and live life. They were innocent victims. How can this happen in America?

Sin

            In the coming weeks, many will conjecture as to the “why” behind these killings. Many ideas and theories will be batted around (mental problems, gun control, lax laws, etc.). The truth is that sin is at the heart of these killings, and any other time people are harmed or killed.

            It is a sin to murder others (Rom. 13:9). Thus, we know sin is at the center of the murders of September 10^th and any murder that has ever been. When we dig deeper, we see that the sin of murder (and any sin) results from yielding (Jas. 1:14) to the lusts of the flesh, and eyes, and the pride (vainglory) of life (I Jn. 2:15-17). Envy and ignorance have contributed to murders in the past as well (Matt. 27:18; Mk. 15:10; I Cor. 2:7-8).

            What motivated the young person to kill his schoolmates last week? What motivated someone to kill Charlie Kirk? Perhaps we will never know all the answers, but rest assured, their motivations were based and born in a sinful attitude we noted above. The killers gave in to lust (desire) and yielded to Satan and sin when they should have resisted (Jas. 4:7-8)!

Opposition To A Message

            Perhaps we do not see this as much in the Colorado killings, but Charlie Kirk spread a message, and a bullet has silenced his voice. This is not the first time in history that such actions have been taken. It is just the most recent example. When will we learn that silencing a voice will not silence a message when it is the truth?

            In years gone by, when a king received a message he did not like, he was apt to kill the messenger for bringing it to him. This act gave rise to the phrase, “Don’t kill the messenger!” Messengers were even protected by laws in ancient Greece and later in Rome from being harmed or killed when giving the ruler news he did not want to hear. This is because killing the messenger will not change the message. In modern times, this is like being mad at the mailman for delivering bills to your mailbox! I can assure you that the message spread by Charlie Kirk in his short life will continue to be spread by others who are interested in bringing back morality and goodness to our country.

Spiritual Applications/Lessons From The Events Of September 10^th.

            Why were those young people killed in Colorado? What crime had they committed? The fact remains that sometimes there are innocent people who suffer at the hands of the wicked. This disparity has been noted numerous times in Scripture, from Psalm 73 to Ecclesiastes to Job and many other occasions. “Time and chance” happen to us, and as hard as it is to accept, there are times when bad things happen to good or innocent people. It is not what we want, but it happens in this life.

            What about those who are killed for spreading a message, specifically the gospel? The fact remains that as long as we are on this earth, the conflict between God and Satan will continue! If I wish to follow the Lord and spread His message, I will be opposed by those who do not want to listen. This has been a problem for centuries. Unfortunately, we can see how God’s messengers were killed for bringing folks a message they did not want to hear. “Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.” (Heb. 11:35-38). In addition to these, we might add the death threats and harmful actions taken against heroes like Elijah, Micaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel, and others.

            Let us not forget John the Baptist (Mk. 6:24-29) and Jesus (Matt. 27; Mk. 15; Lk. 23; Jn. 19) were killed because folks did not like their message! The apostles (except John) were executed for preaching the resurrection of Christ. John was exiled for the same message (Rev. 1:9).

            Please do not misunderstand. I am not comparing Kirk or any of the shooting victims last week to the apostles, Jesus, or anyone else. My point is that men have not changed! From Biblical times to today, when people do not like the message we speak, they will try everything they can to silence it, including resorting to violence against the speaker.

            In more modern times, I have known men personally who have faced this kind of opposition and danger. One had a knife pulled on him while standing in a group of several brethren who were ready to harm him. Another brother wore a bulletproof vest into the pulpit to preach. There were three preachers I knew who told of preaching in a tent meeting in the 1960s, where the police surrounded the tent in their cars to protect them from threatened violence. Another brother I did not know personally was said to have been pushed down the concrete steps at the post office, resulting in his death. On and on we could go with this. An old Arkansas preacher, Joe Blue, had dynamite put under the pulpit, and the only thing that kept him from dying that day was that the perpetrators used a faulty blasting cap!

A Bullet Will Not Silence The Gospel Message.

            I am thankful that in the examples above, the various preachers escaped violence. However, had all of those attempts been successful, the gospel message would continue to be sounded (II Tim. 2:2)! Just as in the case of the prophets, John the Baptist, Christ, the apostles, and so many others, killing the messenger will not silence the message!

            It is evident that the message of Christ, the message of reconciliation (II Cor. 5:18-19), is not welcomed in many places. This does not give us permission to be silent, though! When we preach the word, we need to do this “in season and out of season” (II Tim. 4:2). This means preach the truth when folks like it and when they do not like it! Preach it when folks’ actions agree with the Bible and preach it when their actions do not!

            We are in a time when folks very well may resort to violence against us for preaching the truth. It has gone on in other countries, and we are not immune to that happening here. Let us, with determination and resolve. Be dedicated to preaching and spreading God’s word far and wide, and let the chips fall where they may! If we die for the cause of Christ, let us not be afraid but remember Matthew 10:16-28. Remember Romans 1:16 and II Timothy 1:7-8. Let these words comfort us and keep us going as we walk that “strait and narrow” path that leads to Heaven (Matt. 7:13-14)!

“Are We Becoming Denominational?”

 “Are We Becoming Denominational?”

Jarrod M. Jacobs

       Brethren through the years have continually made the point that the Lord’s church is not a denomination. When we speak of the church found in the Bible, the church of Christ, we are not speaking about a “branch” off a “mother Church” somewhere. The church the Lord founded (Matt. 16:18) is composed of Christians, living and dead, on every continent on this earth (Acts 2:47, 1:8, etc.).

            The Bible teaches that there is such a thing as a local body of believers. These people, gathered in one locality, are united to work and worship the Lord, spreading the gospel where they live. Such descriptions of local congregations are found in the Bible. Remember the churches in Corinth, Ephesus, Thessalonica, Colossae, etc.? In any of these cities one would find Christians gathering “into one place” (I Cor. 11:20) to worship the Lord (Jn. 4:24). The influence of the Christians was felt not only locally, but also regionally, and world-wide when they worked to spread the Lord’s word (I Thess. 1:8). Sometimes, the churches sent men from their number to go and preach to the lost (Acts 11:21-24, 13:1-5). They also supported men already preaching in “foreign lands” (Phil. 4:15-16). They were working to accomplish the Lord’s purpose (Lk. 19:10). Their interest in lost souls was evident.

            Unfortunately, in the generations following, people grew weary of the Lord’s plan for the church and devised their own plan. They began to devise works and organizations, which resulted in local congregations losing their autonomy. Soon, political structure took over, causing local congregations to be subject to larger congregations, “regional” elders, and similar things. This work continued to grow until one was crowned the head of the church on earth in 606 AD. By this time, the Lord’s plan for the church had been abandoned, and the organizational structure so prominent in the world at that time bore no resemblance to what the Lord had described. (Phil. 1:1)

            Afterward, various men and movements continued to fight the Catholic monstrosity (called Protestants, because they “protested” what was happening). Still, all they accomplished was creating smaller versions of what they protested. This is because their plea was to “reform” what they didn’t like about the Catholic church. Sometime later, a cry was made to “restore” the Lord’s way, demanding that men follow the Bible; abandon their creeds, long-standing “traditions,” and family loyalty, and serve God. No doubt, many people had made this plea through the years, but now this plea was heeded. From the cry and call of such preaching, we have Christians today, and congregations of God’s people all over the globe!

            We are alive to see people who are again not satisfied to follow the Lord’s plan for His church. Some today wish to “turn back the clock” and act like the denominational world at large. Friends, could it be possible that I am one of those who have refused to learn the Bible and to learn from history and have been fooled into following something that is not of God? Could this have happened in your life, dear friend? I am afraid that some have been fooled and are walking a dangerous path away from God and into denominationalism. How so? Please consider the following….

 

Denominational Attitudes

            Some today harbor denominational attitudes. It is seen in the terms used and in the practices that have been suggested and/or tried. This attitude takes one away from God and His will, and leads one to a selfish attitude in which one justifies actions because “I” like it, “I” think it glorifies God, or “I” don’t see anything wrong with it, etc. Such an attitude completely ignores the statement of Solomon, who said: “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Prov. 14:12). This attitude ignores the apostle Peter’s words. He said, “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God...” (I Pet. 4:11). Such an attitude snubs Paul’s inspired command. He wrote, “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him” (Col. 3:17). Does this mean nothing to us? Let us check our attitude and make sure that we submit to God’s will in all things and not deviate from it!

 

Denominational Terms

            One way we observe the denominational attitude in folks is in their speech. Like Peter, their speech “betrays” them (Matt. 27:73)! Unfortunately, many brethren use denominational terms when speaking. It is true that some things are said out of ignorance, but some are said because people are thinking in a way reminiscent of the denominational world. If you don’t believe this, read the following paragraph and see if you have heard such terms used before.

            I remember meeting an older fellow one summer day. As we were talking, he said, “I am a Church of Christ.” A what? I have sometimes heard the term  “Church-of-Christers” used by people who ought to have known better. In fact, I have been called a  “Church of Christ preacher” on occasion. Folks, such terms are as wrong as they can be! Other, more “moderate” terms are used when someone says, “I am with the churches of Christ.” Some ask, “Are you church of Christ?” When asked where some people worship, I have heard folks say, “He is church of Christ” or “I am church of Christ.” Such phrases are used by those who have picked up the jargon of the denominational world.

            Those examples above are misuses of the description “church of Christ.” To speak of a “church of Christ” is to speak of a group of called-out people (Christians) who are serving God. One person is not a “church of Christ.” One person is a Christian! (I Pet. 4:16). Did Agrippa tell Paul: “Almost thou persuadest me to be a church of Christ” (Acts 26:28)? Luke recorded that “the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch” (Acts 11:26) — not the disciples were called “church of Christ’s,” “churches of Christ,” or “church of Christers” first at Antioch!

            Furthermore, when one joins himself to a local body (Acts 9:26-28), he is part of that one local work, and that is all. In other words, a Christian is not with “churches of Christ.” He is a member of the church of Christ in his town. To say one is “with churches of Christ” implies a corporate structure that is not authorized by God. Each local body is autonomous and independent of all others on earth. If this is not the case with the church of which you are a member, then you’re practicing something not found in the Bible.

            We hear certain men being called “church of Christ preachers.” A similar statement is when people say, “He preaches ‘church of Christ doctrine.’” I have been asked on more than one occasion what “my doctrine” is. I have no doctrine of my own. I teach what the Lord has said (I Pet. 4:11; Jn. 12:48). Furthermore, I am not a “church of Christ preacher”. I am a preacher of the gospel of Christ (I Tim. 2:7; II Tim. 2:11). Woe be unto me when I stop preaching the gospel of Christ, and start preaching “church of Christ doctrine” (I Cor. 9:16)! Woe to anyone who would listen to and accept such from the pulpit, in a Bible class, or anywhere else.

            It is my unfortunate experience to know some men who have said with confidence, “We are a denomination!” With such attitudes as this, is there any wonder why Satan has such a hold on people today? (I Pet. 5:8) He has deceived many (Jn. 8:44).

 

Denominational Practices

            Yes, we see denominational practices being carried out among some of God’s people. Below is a short list of practices that are quite prevalent.

            1) Once Saved, Always Saved: No, we may not teach it (Gal. 5:4), but it is practiced by many churches when we refuse to carry out corrective discipline like we should (II Thess. 3:6; I Cor. 5)! Failing to discipline leaves the impression that folks are accepted of God in their sinful condition, and this is wrong.

            2) Baptism Isn’t Necessary For Salvation: Yes, we have some brethren suggesting baptism is not essential for salvation! They, like the denominations, contradict Christ (Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:38; 1 Pet. 3:21).

            3) Worship With Mechanical Instruments: Were you aware that some groups with “church of Christ” on their sign use mechanical instruments? It is true. Many of our own “sound” brethren have forgotten God’s word, for they “see nothing wrong with it,” either (see: Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16).

            4) Fellowship With Denominations: Some wish to ignore differences and “unite” with denominations under the banner that says, “we are serving the same God.” In light of the doctrine and works of the denominations, how can this be true (Matt. 7:16, 20, 15:8-9)? God asked, “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” (Amos 3:3). We need to reread Ephesians 5:11 and II Corinthians 6:14-17!

Conclusion

            Many other things could be added to this list. Brethren, let us take a good, hard look at ourselves (II Cor. 13:5), and determine not to follow in the footsteps of men, but follow the Lord (I Pet. 2:21-22).

Could It Be … (Selected)

Could It Be …

Selected

 

·         … that people reject the Bible — not because it contradicts itself, but because it contradicts them?

·         … that some brethren do not attend various worship periods and Bible study classes because Christ is not really their “first love?”

·         … that Satan has lulled us into thinking that we are really standing, when indeed, we are ready to fall?

·         … we utterly abhor the violence going on in the world, yet do not think twice about what our families entertain themselves with on television and at the movies?

·         … that some brethren honestly see no connection between commitment, attendance, and involvement?

“Where Does Your Interest Lie?”

 “Where Does Your Interest Lie?”

Jarrod M. Jacobs

      Webster’s Dictionary defines the word interest in the following ways: “1. the feeling of one whose attention, concern, or curiosity is particularly engaged by something … 2. that which concerns, involves, draws the attention of, or arouses the curiosity of a person … 3. power of exciting such involvement, concern, etc., quality of being interesting.”

            When asked what thing, or things arouse curiosity, excite, and engage one’s mind, some might mention baseball, football, NASCAR, knitting, TV shows, woodworking, music, and several other things.

            None of these things are necessarily wrong in themselves. In fact, we could add a multitude of other things into the category of what “interests” folks, and none of those things would necessarily lead to sin. Yet, I am concerned that in pursuit of our interests, many folks have ignored and otherwise cast aside the thing that should excite them the most — God’s word!

            God’s word ought to engage our minds. It should arouse our curiosity to learn more and more. God’s word should be of primary interest to men and women.

            Why do I make that statement? Why should the Bible hold such interest over us? It is because of what we find contained within the pages of the Bible. The Bible contains answers to questions that no other work has. If we wish to know our beginning (Gen. 1-2), why we are here (Ecc. 12:13-14), and where we are going when this life is over (Matt. 25:46), we need to spend time in the Bible!

            Furthermore, if we are interested in learning how to worship the God of Heaven acceptably (Jn. 4:24; Acts 2:42, 20:7; Eph. 5:19; etc.), we need to spend time in the Bible. From Genesis 4 through the book of Revelation, we see that God is concerned with folks worshipping Him in an acceptable way. He has never been happy with folks who thought they could “throw up” anything to God, call it worship, and think God would accept it (ex: Mal. 1:6-14). If we are engaged and curious as to how we can worship God acceptably, then let us spend time in God’s word and learn what He wants!

            Does self-improvement interest you? Rather than relying upon the advice of fallible men for improvement, why not turn to our infallible God for the answers on how to make proper decisions, have a good family life, as well as the “how-to” for making the most of every day? (ex: Proverbs; Eph. 5:22-33; Ps. 119:97-100; Jas. 4:7-8, 15) Let us allow God’s word to “improve” us!

            If we are curious as to how we can be saved from sin, then let us not turn to a creed book, religious manual, or some other work of man. Instead, let us go to God’s word and learn that to be saved from sin we need to hear God’s word (Acts 2:22). Hearing God’s word produces faith (Rom. 10:17). This is necessary, for without faith we cannot please God (Heb. 11:6). In light of our faith in God’s word, and faith in Christ (Jn. 8:24), we must then repent of our sins (Lk. 13:3, 5; II Pet. 3:9), confess our faith in Christ (Matt. 10:32-33; Acts 8:36-37), and be baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38; I Pet. 3:21). This is what all those converted to the Lord did in New Testament days, and this is what we must do!

            If you have read about the Lord’s plan of salvation before, good! I am glad you have had another chance to read the Lord’s plan and consider these passages before it is too late (II Cor. 6:2). Our salvation ought to interest us in a deep and profound way. Therefore, if you’re not a Christian, please respond to the Lord’s invitation before it is too late! Then, live for Him (Matt. 6:33; Col. 3:17), worship Him acceptably (Jn. 4:24), and follow the Lord daily (Lk. 9:23).

Where Does Your Interest Lie? Does It Need To Change To Please God?

“You’re In A Marathon, Not A Sprint!”

 “You’re In A Marathon, Not A Sprint!”

Jarrod M. Jacobs

     A marathon is defined as “any long distance race ... a foot race on a course measuring 26 miles, 385 yards.” (Webster’s). In defining the word “sprint,” we learn that it means, “to race or move at full speed, esp. for a short distance, as in running, rowing, etc.” (ibid.). Just as the definitions for these words are different, so also is the training for each respective sport. In sprinting, one wishes to get from point A to point B in the quickest possible time, expending all energy to get there before one’s competitors. In the case of a marathon, one wishes to get from point A to point B as quickly as possible, but must also realize that he cannot expend all energy in the beginning, or he will not even finish the race! In a marathon, one tries to build up to a certain speed and then maintain this speed consistently for the rest of the race. If a sprinter and a marathoner were to race one another, the sprinter may beat the marathon runner initially. Yet, after a short distance, the sprinter is winded, while the marathon runner is just “hitting his stride,” ready to run the rest of the race.

            Why are we making this contrast? It is because such an illustration fits the lives of many Christians. It is an unfortunate fact that many new Christians “burn out” soon after becoming a Christian. These Christians are excited about having a new relationship with Christ and with brethren, and wish to learn more and more. In fact, they are genuinely committed to doing all they can for Christ. However, after a few months, they become tired (“winded”?) and realize that this particular course is longer than they thought, because it is to last for the rest of their lives. It is not possible to run for a time, and then “coast” on our momentum. We must keep moving! Yet, they have already become “winded” and tired and wish to quit the race. If they do not quit altogether, they are people who must constantly be “pumped” and prodded to keep going. Such behavior is not only tiring to the person but also tiring to those who are trying to keep that one excited and focused on the prize (Phil. 3:14).

            Why does this happen to Christians? There may be several contributing factors, but ultimately, I believe a fact often forgotten by many is that living as a Christian is a marathon, not a sprint! We need patience to win! Hebrews 12:1 compares the life of a Christian to a race. There, we read, “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us”. This race Christians run is not something that will be completed in a day or a week. Being a Christian is a life-long commitment! Are we conditioned and trained in the right way? We need to be if we are to win the race. Furthermore, we read in II Timothy 4:7 the apostle Paul’s words that he has “finished the race.” When did his “race” end? It ended at his death. He realized he was soon to die, and understood that his “marathon” was quickly coming to a close. Yet, he also understood that he could not be lax nor let up in his running. This is because he knew that if he had preached the truth to others, but did not himself obey it, he would be a “castaway” (I Cor. 9:24-27). These are but a few of the passages that compare a man’s life to a race that is completed at death. Yes, friends, let us appreciate the fact that the life of a Christian is a marathon that demands our endurance, faithfulness, and stamina if we are to see Heaven! Living as a Christian is a marathon, not a sprint.

            As Christians, why don’t we take the time to examine ourselves (II Cor. 13:5) and make sure we are still running the race as we ought? Perhaps you have become “winded,” downtrodden, and just want to give up. Take this opportunity to return to the Lord and renew your commitment to the race that leads us from earth to Heaven. Remember that there are folks who are cheering you on in this marathon (Heb. 12:1). They want you to succeed, but they cannot run the race for you! We all have a race to run, so let us do so with patience, zeal, and a firm resolve that we will not allow temptation and the allure of this world to trip us up! Let us keep our eyes on the goal of Heaven (Col. 3:1-2), and “look to Jesus” (Heb. 12:2) as we press “toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:14).