The Race

by DARKE, R. | Category: The Race | Dec 1955

As the athlete must keep healthy physically, so the Christian must keep healthy spiritually. We must avoid like the plague those things that satisfied our appetites when we were unsaved: those novels and books, for instance, that occupied so much of our time. We must avoid undesirable associates and worldly pursuits which only sap our spiritual strength, and be ever watchful of the small sins as well as the great; resorting often to prayer, knowing that

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive

us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1.9).

Keeping fit spiritually is a serious business, and as we claim to be disciples, discipline must enter into it. That is why we must avoid these things lest we become spiritually weak. Let us realize that there is very little outside the Word of God that can be counted "food for the soul." As one has aptly said, "The older you get, the less books you read; for you find yourself shut up to the word of God." These are words worth heeding.

Some young Christians get tired of the Bible quite early in their spiritual life. There are several reasons for this :-

1.They do not know where to start reading.

2.They do not seem to understand or remember what they read.

3.They have difficulty in separating and setting in order the various incidents of Scripture.

Such will find it helpful if they approach the Word with a humble desire to learn a little about the will of God for them, and be determined that they will not put down the Book until they have gleaned something for themselves. Do not "bite off more than you can chew." It must be here a little, there a little, but regularly. Patience, determination, an appetite, and a willingness to learn, are all essentials, but above all let us apply in a practical way the things we read and learn from God's Word. That is what it means to be a Christian.

In closing, I want to say a little about rest-another essential for keeping healthy spiritually as well as physically. Because of the kind of world in which we live rest is becoming alien to our lives. We are in danger of becoming "rest-less" as a people of God instead of "rest-full." Let us avoid being caught in the maelstrom of the world's activity. Remember, it is "the prince of this world "the Evil One-who sets the pace, and dictates the hustle and bustle of the world. Let us quote the experience of David: "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside the still waters" (Psalm 23.). Quietness to meditate and to have fellowship with the Lord are essentials we must not neglect.

"Let us ... lay aside every weight, and the sin that doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience ... looking unto Jesus . " (Hebrews 12.1, 2).

No looking behind. Paul's words are :

"Forgetting the things which are behind, and stretching forward to

the things which are before, I press on toward the goal . " (Philippians 3.13, 14).

Even so, let us press on! Let us keep healthy spiritually! Let us run to win!

DARKE, R. | Dec 1955
The Race