From the Pulpit: I have competed well

Last week I was out walking my dog around the neighborhood just after 9 p.m., and echoing in the darkness through the trees and the streets was the sound of the “Marching Lynx,” the Brandon Valley marching band.  The horns were blaring in the background, and the drums were keeping the beat. I envisioned all the students, especially our brand-new freshmen, stressing to not just remember the music but to also remember all the different marching steps and formations. The sound of those instruments can remind us that the beginning of school is here. Not only will the band fire up into their competitive season but the same will happen with all of the different athletes in the multiple sports that they are offered. Pondering these upcoming competitive seasons and those that will occur throughout the school year, the Second Letter of Saint Paul to Timothy, Chapter 4:7 keeps coming back to me – “I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith.”

Obviously, Saint Paul is reflecting on his life journey. Most likely he is looking back and recognizing the mistakes that he made, especially standing by while Stephen was martyred for being a follower of Jesus Christ. Paul had to recall how he continued to persecute those that loved Jesus. Most importantly, though, he remembered the moment that the risen Lord came to him, literally knocking Paul down, and asking him to not fight against him, but to join him in bringing people to come to know the truth of faith. Scripture tells us of Saint Paul faithfully living out this new calling. We can presume that Paul probably still made mistakes at times, thinking: I have competed well, not always perfectly and many times have stumbled, and finished the race. But despite all these things, I have kept the faith. 

As our students begin another year and as our families and coaches mentor and guide them, it is good to remember the ultimate race that we are competing in – the race of faith! Different from Saint Paul who was looking back, we can look forward to these upcoming events as opportunities to not just compete well but to always keep the faith. Yes, our upcoming competitions will demand sacrifices, joy and even tears. There will be great victories (hopefully at the Pigskin Classic) but also unfortunately some defeats. At the end of the season and school year, hopefully, we too, can look back like Paul – whether we are grand champions at our final marching band competition or falling short from making it to the state tournament and say – “I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith.”