The Race

My small group has begun a new book study on the book Adventures in Missing the Point, co-authored by Tony Campolo and Brian McLaren. Although we are only on chapter two, I am already enjoying this book more than I expected to.  It is a clear, concise look at areas in which we as Christians might be missing the point.  Neither author claims to have all the answers, but rather consistently brings us back to biblical truth. The first chapter was about Salvation. In the time of Jesus, the Jews missed the point of salvation because they were focused on an immediate rescue from political oppression. However, in today's world we often miss the point of salvation because we focus solely on salvation as a ticket to heaven, rather than as an immediate rescue to a new life in the immediate kingdom.

Brian McLaren illustrated this point with what he called "The Parable of the Race". It was such a clear illustration of what the Christian life often is as opposed to what it could be. In the parable, a race is advertised to help the people escape the drudgery and boredom of their lives. It is promised that everyone who starts the race will receive a great reward. On race day, several people line up at the starting line eager to begin. Others are skeptical and stand on the sidelines, waiting to see what happens. When the race begins those at the starting line take a few steps and then begin celebrating! They have started the race! They fall on their knees in gratitude. Those on the sidelines watch, confused. Finally a few decide that if no one else is going to actually run the race, then they will and so they begin running. They realize that the reward is the opportunity to run the race itself, for the race never ends and it takes them on the greatest adventure.

How many Christians do you know that have received salvation and for them, that is the end? They celebrate their rescue from hell, but never pursue the kingdom.  It is my prayer that I will never be like those people who celebrate starting the race, but rather that I will continue running all of my days. For that will be the greatest adventure...