In the race of life these days, we find ourselves racing from one place to another, always connected to some sort of gadget in this Technology/Knowledge Age. Abounding data and knowledge are being constantly streamed to us every second of our days. The images flashing at us from our gadgets are flooding our eyes and minds. The race of time keeps forging ahead never stopping or slowing down. As winter soon will turn into spring, I am so reminded that our life on earth is but a dot on the line racing on towards eternity. Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow. (Psalm 144:4). With that thought in mind, I also am reminded that we are not promised tomorrow, but we should live each day as if it is our last as one day it will be. ..yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. (James 4: 14) Are we ready for when that day comes? What does our life reflect that we are abounding forward for or are we merely gliding our way through life?
How is this Technology/Knowledge Age we live in helping us in abounding forward or has it fallen into the category of becoming an idol replacing what only the Lord is able to provide? On one hand we have the tools and the ability to spread the gospel like never before in history through the Internet, Skype, Facebook and such, even to do this without leaving our homes and families. Yet, when technology, images and the need for knowledge have taken over our lives and we are so consumed by them, constantly being connected to a device, it should cause us to pause and ask ourselves. Do I inquiry of the Lord or technology and the world to answer my questions? Do I connect with people online superficially replacing the in-person authentic relationship? Am I in bondage to the distraction of constantly looking to see what messages or texts I received? By the way, it’s not just our computers and phones, but technology through media is coming at us through our TV’s just the same. Depending on how you answered those questions, if you are like me, well then it might be time to lay down those idols that keep you on the wrong track of your race.
So what should this abounding forward look like as we race through life? I believe Paul gives us a glimpse of this in Philippians 3:13-14 – Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do; forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Jesus Christ.
It is a faith that strains and presses on forward in what lies ahead, persevering through the here and now, with eyes set on the unseen Hope – Jesus. To believe and repent of our sins, striving against the world pressing forward as in a race through the joys, sorrows and hardships, having our focus towards the goal for the prize that awaits us. We are constantly in training in this race, being sanctified each and every day to become more Christ-like.
So, run the race of life like never before, abounding forward living out the Gospel with your eyes set on the prize and receive:
H i s A b o u n d i n g L o v e a n d J o y
H i s A b o u n d i n g G r a c e a n d T r u t h
H i s A b o u n d i n g M e r c y a n d F o r g i v e n e s s