The Power of Change: Posture Yourself Like a Sprinter
Why spiritual growth requires focus, urgency, and forward strain.
Wisdom Scripture
Proverbs 4:7 (NIV)
7 The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom.
Though it cost all you have, get understanding.
Wisdom Quote
Character formation lies at the heart of true wisdom. As M. Fox observes, *“Wisdom is a configuration of soul; it is moral character. And fostering moral character—it is no understatement to say—is at all times the greatest goal of education.”*¹
Insights: Posture Yourself like a Sprinter
The Apostle Paul writes:
13 But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.
— Philippians 3:13
Many people live off their past glories. They still talk about winning a spelling bee in second grade or a regional championship in high school. Spiritually, I hear similar stories: “Back in college I was really on fire for God.” “Before we had kids, I spent time with God every day.” “At my previous church, we were leaders for Christ.”
That’s fine—but what about today?
Never use previous accomplishments as an excuse for coasting now. Are you running hard today, or are you living off spiritual victories from long ago?
God not only tells us to forget what is behind; He also calls us to strain toward what is ahead. The Greek verb Paul uses for “strain” vividly pictures a runner stretching forward at the finish line, exerting every ounce of strength to reach the goal.
During the Summer Olympic Games, I will never forget watching Shaunae Miller straining for the finish line in the 400 meters. Every nerve and muscle was taut as she reached forward to win. In the same way, as followers of Jesus, we are to strain forward like sprinters—to refuse distraction from past failures or past achievements and to pursue Christ with full intensity.
Avoid becoming like the 2017 Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI. When the score reached 31–3, they rested on their first-half achievements. Instead, be like the New England Patriots, who forgot their first-half failures and strained forward in the second half. The Patriots won in overtime, 34–28.
It is dangerously easy to grow complacent at halftime. Wisdom calls us to keep running—eyes forward, bodies leaning in, hearts fully engaged.
¹ Estes, D. J. “Wisdom and Biblical Theology.” Dictionary of the Old Testament: Wisdom, Poetry & Writings, edited by Tremper Longman III and Peter Enns, 2008, p. 854.
