You Will Know at the Finish Line

I just happened across an advertisement on the web for "Spartan Race", which is apparently an obstacle race where you sprint 3 miles, through 15 obstacles. The ad showed slow-motion and still shots of men and women struggling through mud, barbed wire, over walls, and through water, backed by stirring martial music. It ended with these words on the screen:

"You'll Know At The Finish Line."

This makes me think about what it is that stirs us, as disciples of Jesus Christ, and what we are striving for in our lives for Lord, in this present world? God's word says:

"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." (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)

Jim preaching at the cross walk - Des Moines Farmers Market

And.... 
"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord."                              (1 Corinthians 15:58)

Its been well said, that all we have is this brief life, which is but a vapor, to serve the King of Kings. What are we doing with the time He's given us?

Are you in the race? Are you in the battle? Your brothers and sisters in the Lord are out in the harvest field even now, reaching out to the lost with the gospel of Jesus Christ. They are denying themselves, studying the Bible to show themselves approved unto God; facing strong opposition, they are preaching the gospel along the highways and byways, pleading with sinners who mock and sneer at God's incredible gift of forgiveness and eternal life, ministering the love of God both in word and in deed.

Someone told me there is a building in Moscow with the following engraved in stone (my paraphrase):

"Lord, do not allow me to be successful in that which will not matter for eternity."

When we see the world giving themselves to that which is perishing, I pray we will be motivated to give of ourselves more fully to obey the command of the Lord, to go into all the world, preaching the gospel to every creature. Let compassion and love overcome your fear, and go! This is where my heart is. I hope it is where your heart is, too. And at the finish line of life, we will not only know that our labor was not in vain; we will hear these beautiful words:

"Well done thou good and faithful servant...enter thou into the joy of your Lord."