These mallard drakes are swimming near the reflection of an overhead rainbow. I snapped the shot at Campbell Valley Regional Park some time ago. The water isn’t the clearest, and at times I have seen thin-film iridescence (an oil-slick rainbow), but in this case there actually was a rainbow above us.
I pictured the ducks racing toward a rainbow finish line. It was a comical thought because while all the ducks were moving in that general direction, some were facing different ways. A pair was off in the weeds, and some had stopped to eat. They certainly weren’t all in a row. They would all cross that rainbow finish line eventually, but all at their own pace.
In the Christian life, there are some distinct phases. We are born again by faith alone in Christ alone. That’s the moment of justification. Our sins are forgiven. We are covered by the imputed righteousness of Jesus. These newly born believers begin the lifelong process of sanctification (being set apart for God and made more like Jesus).
Like the ducks, we are all moving and being changed at different rates. Some are moving forward, others slipping backward. Sometimes we get distracted by the things of the world and end up off in the weeds. Every Christian is at a different point in the journey. All of us have the same finish line in mind, but the timing of our crossing isn’t the same. God fixes it for each of us individually.
It’s more of a journey than a race, just as the ducks weren’t truly racing, simply on the same journey together. We are moving toward the goal of glorification, that moment when we are free from all the influence of sin and revealed to be exactly who God created us to be. That will happen when we cross the finish line and go to be with Him forever.
We’re not competing with other Christians, and it’s folly to compare our journey to theirs. We need to look to Christ and model our lives on Him. Bob may have a different gift than you do. Sally may have a better prayer life. Tina may have a better understanding of the Scriptures. Hakim might be a better evangelist. Look not to them but to Christ.
Jesus said …
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. John 13:34 ESV
Paul clearly tells us…
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:1-2 ESV
Paul reminds us…
For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 1 Peter 2:20-21 ESV
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Philippians 2:5-8
I could continue citing chapter and verse for pages, but the idea is clear. Jesus is our guide.
The destination is fixed and guaranteed. The timing is outside our control. Let’s strive to be imitators of Christ as we journey together. What a celebration it will be when we finally all have our ducks in a row,
Be blessed.
Kevin
SUMMARY
We’re all headed for the same finish line, but God fixes the timing for each of us. Let’s strive to be imitators of Christ as we journey together.
TAKEAWAY
We’re all moving and being changed at different rates. It’s more of a journey than a race.
It’s folly to compare our journey to other Christians’. Look not to them but to Christ.
The destination is fixed and guaranteed. The timing is outside our control.