★ Uncompromisingly Run!

How uncompromisingly have you run the race of faith? 

The apostle Paul explained that he had uncompromisingly run the race of faith, which had only one end: the upward call of GOD in CHRIST JESUS in glory.
And how could Paul run the race so uncompromisingly? Because he never forgot how much his JESUS loved him, loved him so much that HE changed the sinful Saul to apostle Paul. Only his love for JESUS, and his appreciation of JESUS' sacrificial love for him could make him so devoted and zealous.

All his human advantages, everything that had distinguished Saul the pharisee, he counted as rubbish and forgotten.  Nothing should prevent him from reaching forward to those things which are ahead in JESUS CHRIST.

What an example for us!

We like to forget our former sins. When we do that, we fail to fully appreciate the grace and pardon freely given for us at the cross. Paul always kept in mind that he was a persecutor, the worst of sinners, most unworthy of HIS forgiveness and grace. And it was that thought that made him run the race with such zeal. It was the love of his MASTER, the kindness that JESUS showed an unworthy sinner like him that drove him to become the most devoted servant of JESUS.

So I plead with you dear brothers and sisters in CHRIST,  never forget your past sins...Always remember what you were so that you can fully appreciate what you have become by HIS Grace. Don't brood over your past sins, but always keep in mind how far you have walked in HIS grace.