Run to Win!

It is hard to believe that another school year has passed. As a youth ministry leader, it is bittersweet to see the eighth graders move onto high school and the seniors move out of youth ministry and into college, the military, or the work force. It is a time of many transitions with new schools, friends, relationships, freedoms, and financial freedoms/decisions. For the high school graduates, it often means moving out from under mom and dad’s roof into a new world. As I reflect on these transitions, much can be learned from Demas, one of the Apostle Paul’s ministry partners mentioned in Scripture.

It was customary for the Apostle Paul to mention certain individuals by name at the end of his letters. Demas was mentioned three times:

· Colossians 4:14 “Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings.”

· Philemon 24 “Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. And so do Mark, Asistarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers.”

· II Timothy 4:9-10 “Do your best to come to me quickly, for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica.”

We do not know what specifically drew Demas away; Scripture does not say any more. However, it can serve as a stern warning for us all; but especially for those transitioning from junior high into high school, and the graduating seniors transitioning into college and/or the next phase of life.

It has been my joy to watch so many students growing in the Lord. I have been seen so many grow in their prayer lives, study/obedience to the Word, being used by God in service, etc… However, I know from personal experience and from watching individuals that the new schools, friends, relationships, and freedoms will be enticements used by Satan to tear these same students away from their walk with the Lord. One must remember that this is war, for our enemy the devil wanders about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour (I Peter 3:8). For those not serious about their relationship with the Lord right now, Satan will continue to pull them farther from God through the same enticements (aka love for the world).

So, what must be done? Much can be learned from what it takes to win a race, a game, a competition, or excel in dance, cheerleading, acting, or other activities. Focus and self-disciple is essential to win or excel in any of these areas. The Apostle Paul, writing to the Corinthians used a similar analogy:

• I Corinthians 9:24-27 “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”

This Corinthians would have identified with Paul’s analogy. Corinth was the site of the Isthmian games, which at the time was second in fame only to the Olympic games. The challenge is clear: Run to win! Eternal rewards await those who serve faithfully. For those who stay the course (or get on the course), awesome things will be done for Jesus in the years to come resulting in an awesome kingdom impact. Schools and neighborhoods will be transformed. Orphans, widows, and the homeless will be cared for. The Islamic world will be reached with the gospel. The possibilities are limitless.

However, just as there is a price to winning an earthly race or winning a competition, the same is true for those who run to win the heavenly prize. Relationships will change, popularity will suffer, amounts of “stuff” won’t increase as much, extracurricular activities such as sports or parties may need to be given up, and persecution in the classroom and/or by the government will be experienced.

“Do your best to come to me quickly, for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica.” We do not know anything about Demas beyond that. Demas wasn’t willing to pay the price in one or more of the areas listed above. Maybe he saw Paul in prison and said “this is too much for me”. Maybe he wanted to settle down, get comfortable, and start accumulating lots of “stuff”. Maybe he started dating a non-Christian girl and got pulled away by that relationship. We do not know.

In order to stay the course and run to win several things must be done. First, rely on His strength and the power of His Spirit in us instead of our “strength” (Ephesians 6:10). Second, schedule God into your days instead of planning to give him the leftovers which are never left over. Third, develop and strengthen Christian friendships for support and accountability. Finally, pray without ceasing!

Run to win- and we will all celebrate together when we are together in 1,000 years!