Fight the Good Fight. Keep the Faith. Finish Your Race.

Fight the Good Fight. Keep the Faith. Finish Your Race.

Watch the video "We Shall Overcome: A Jazz Tribute to Black History"

1 Tim. 6:11 But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses

2 Cor. 2:14, Now thanks be unto God, who always causes us to triumph in Christ, and makes manifest the fragrance of his knowledge by us in every place.

2 Timothy 4:6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.

Sometimes you don’t want to win for yourself. Sometimes you want to win because of who is watching. The motivation is not born of selfish pride, but you want to win because that’s your purpose and others need you to win so they can see that it is possible. That is the value of living in the light and letting people see your good works. 

We don't fight the good fight of faith to win. We fight the good fight because we have already won. That's why it is a GOOD fight!

We fight a good fight because in Jesus Christ, WE WIN! 

On Netflix, I watched a documentary about the new World Trade Center and the 911 memorial. In my lifetime, there was no greater single tragedy than 911. The documentary began with recounted the events of September 11, 2001. I fast forward through all of that. Because I have been to the 911 memorial and stood on ground zero beside the new World Trade Center, I wanted to see details of the good fight of faith that followed the tragedy and remember the heroism of those who perished saving others. I wanted to recount the efforts of those who rebuilt at ground zero. 

I have same thoughts about our ancestors, for those who served and sacrificed for our nation in civil and military service. Most people get to focus on living our their dreams. Some among us are called to focus on helping others fulfill their dreams.

The life you live in Christ is not only about youself. Actually, after becoming a follower of Christ, it is not “your life.” It is “The life you live.”

Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. 21 I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.”

Galatians 6:9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith

The good fight of faith is not about fighting for what you already have or already see. The good fight is about not growing weary while doing good. 

The good fight of faith is all about continuing to do good, knowing that in due season you will reap....if you don't faint or lose heart. What you reap after your due season brings major blessings to your life, and more importantly, to others.

Fainting and losing heart is a major problem. I see it too often. I see it in believers. I have faced it often. 

We know what physical fainting looks like. Someone who is standing suddenly falls down. Fainting in the mind or losing heart is very similar, but it is less obvious. Let me say, I can tell when someone has fainted or is about to do so. 

That's why the Hebrews writer said, "Looking unto Jesus..." That's why he said, 12:3, "For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls"