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One of my champions is the apostle Paul. In his letter to young Timothy, he clearly sets forth what it takes to be an authentic champion. Paul declares that champions "pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness" (I Timothy 6:11).
Unfortunately, too many Christian fathers have pursued popularity instead of righteousness, a me-first attitude instead of a godly attitude; they have replaced faith with a false self-confidence, and love with pragmatism. Their endurance for the long haul has been sapped, and they have lost their ability to abide under the discipline of God's game plan. A gentle Christ-centred spirit has been replaced with self-centred pride. Where are the family champions who share inspiring legends of righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness, legends that tell us what's at stake and motivate us not to look to the one-eyed monster for our goals and motivation for living?
Paul then tells Timothy how champions win the trophy: "Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses" (I Timothy 6:12,13). Timothy, if you want a prize, stay in the contest and fight like a champion. Get a grip on the splendor of eternal life. Understand how the life of the ages transforms the daily grind. Eternal life is no small potatoes; it's all there is, it's everything. Passionately pursue it to your grave.
At 7:00 p.m. on October 20, 1968, a few thousand spectators remained in the Mexico City Olympic Stadium. It was cool and dark. The last of the exhausted marathon runners were being carried off to first-aid stations. More than an hour earlier, Mamo Wolde of Ethiopia--looking as fresh as when he started the race--had crossed the finish line, the winner of the 26-mile, 385-yard event.
The remaining spectators were moving toward the exits. Suddenly, they heard the sound of sirens and police whistles. All eyes turned to the gate. A lone figure wearing the colours of Tanzania hobbled into the stadium on a leg he had severely injured in a fall. Each step he took on his bloody, bandaged leg was a step of agony and pain. As John Stephen Ahwari hobbled around the 400-metre track, the remaining spectators rose and applauded him as if he were the winner.
In a later interview, John was asked, "In view of your injury, you had no chance of winning a medal. Why didn't you quit?"
He replied, "My country did not send me 7,000 miles to start the race. They sent me 7,000 miles to finish it."
Jesus didn't bring us into this world to start the race. His purpose for us was that we should finish well and that we should raise up generations of champions.
Be a champion, and run the race of life with passion all the way.
Eugene P. Harder is pastor of New Hope Community Church in North Vancouver, B.C.
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