Strive!

In order for an athlete to win a race, he must do certain preparations. However, these preparations cannot give Him the winner's metal if He does not persevere--if He doesn't strive to the end.

In the same way, it is for us in our lives as we run the spiritual race. We can do a lot to try to win the battle against sin, but if we don't press on to the finish line, the victories that we had before won't do us any good. In order for us to gain victory against sin, we must persevere to the end.

Paul said, "Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway." (1Co 9:24-27)




We must always keep our eyes upon Jesus who is the Author and Finisher of our faith. "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, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin." (Heb 12:1-4)

"...You must fight the good fight of faith. You must be wrestlers for the crown of life.

Strive,

for the grasp of Satan is upon you; and if you do not wrench yourselves from Him, you will be palsied and ruined. The foe is on the right hand and on the left, before you and behind you; and you must trample him under your feet.

Strive,

for there is a crown to be won.  

Strive,

for if you win not the crown, you lose everything in this life and in the future life.

Strive,

but let it be in the strength of your risen Saviour."

--Review and Herald, August 21, 1888.

Strive!