Horse races begin at the gates with horses and jockeys at the ready position. Any horse that is not in the gate with a riding jockey is not in position to start. At the sound of the gun, the gates fly open and the horses take off. The same scenario is set for track runners, ice skating racers, ski racers, and even marathon runners. They all start the race the same way—in position.
When we accept Jesus Christ into our life as Lord and Savior, we agree to go to the gate and start the course of the life with Christ. Unfortunately, there are some who, by agreement qualify to run the race with Christ, but never go to the starting gate. They choose to continue their lives in old pastures.
I found that life with Christ consists of many short races. Some test our skill, some our endurance, and others our obedience. They all culminate into the life-long destiny pursuit. The ones who endure are the ones who choose to train. Just as the body needs to be in condition for long races, our spirits and souls need to be conditioned for the race so that we can endure, persevere, and skillfully navigate life’s challenges.
How to get into condition?
Proverbs 24:27 tells us “Finish your outdoor work and get your fields ready; after that, build your house.” How should we start in building our own holiness to be in condition for the challenges of life?
One way is begin to hang out with mature Christians and imitate them. Paul tells the Corinthians (ICor 4:16-17) to imitate him and Timothy as examples. See how they talk, how they work, how they treat others, how they pray, how they study the Word, and how they worship. We learn dance steps by following others until we can do it on our own. Why not following in the Christian life? Jesus said “Follow me.”
Something you can do on your own is to choose to clean up what people see and hear from you. Rid your language of sarcastic remarks, foul expletives, and repulsive phrases. Quit using body language negatively with smirking, sneering, mocking, frowning, and eye rolling. Smile. Laugh joyfully. Stand and sit with respect. Dress respectfully to yourself and others. Be clean. Wear clean clothes. Keep your surroundings clean--purse, car, office, and home. Be responsible for your finances. Don’t make others run off because you always need to borrow money. Pay your bills on time. Take charge of your education be it formal learning, job training, learning a language, or a personal skill such as crafts, athletics, and health. Today’s information highway is literally at your fingertips.
None of this costs money. It will cost you willfulness and laziness. Do not be deceived in thinking that although your exterior is a mess, the inside is pure. Work on the outside first because that is where relationships are made. People will then help you build your house.
I agree that it is possible for the exterior to look good and the interior person may be in darkness. But, if you don’t take care of the exterior, most people will not have the patience to dig through the junk on the outside to find the “nice you” inside. As it’s often said, “You don’t have a second chance to make a first impression.” You need to start somewhere and since life with Christ involves community, we need first to remove barriers to relationships.