The Foot-Race

“A true racer does itot use to stand still, or look beJmtd him, to see how 7nuch of the way is already past, or to see how much the other yimners co7ne short of hi?n, but he sets to his business to et through the reinainder of the raceP The claim to perfection, which some have started, raises a serious question as to whether they have ever entered that race, of which the apostle Paul said, “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Surely these men must be of another order to St. Paul, or must be upon another racecourse. He saw much which he had not attained, and they see nothing; he was all for pressing on, and they are at the mark already. They speak fluently of their perfection, and he groaned over his imperfection.

As for us, we have no belief in these pretenders, nor do we wish to think about them. We would have nothing to consider but the goal and the prize. We may not rest in what we are, we must hasten on to what we ought to be. Attainments and successes will breed no pride if we treat them as Paul did, when he regarded them as “things which are behind,” and therefore forgot them. “Onward” be our watchword. Satisfaction, glorying, ease, — these are not to be mentioned among us. Swift as arrows from the bow we would speed towards the mark of our high calHng. The last thing that a man may utter is that fatal “Rest and be thankful “; for it marks the end of a progress which ought to last through life.

Lord, if I am ever tempted to be satisfied, scourge me into a holy restlessness, and make the very ground beneath me burning to my feet. With my Lord before me, I am a traitor to him if I chink the pieces of silver in my hand, and accept a present satisfaction in barter for higher things.