However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and

complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news

of God’s grace. (Acts 20:24)

How do we finish our race well? 

This summer I watched Sydney McLaughlin run the 400-meter hurdles in the Paris Olympics,

breaking her own world record and bringing home the gold medal – finishing her race a good

distance in front of her competitors. However, what stood out to me most happened after the

race, when she credited her success to God and said “What I have in Christ is far greater than

what I have or don’t have in life. I pray my journey may be a clear depiction of submission and

obedience to God.” Sydney is not only running her race on the track but running with the Holy

Spirit. 

This is where we meet Paul in Acts 20:24 as he addresses the Ephesian elders and answers

the question “How do we finish our race well?” Paul gives them – and us – three main points to

help finish the race strong:

1. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me

Paul knew that what Jesus offered was far greater than what this world offers. He demonstrated

his surrender to Christ -- spreading the gospel amid persecution and rejection. While it is

tempting to run after our own success, true joy and peace come from surrendering our lives to

our Creator. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. (Philippians 1:21)

2. My only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me

During a race there are many distractions surrounding the runners. To finish well, they must

keep their eyes forward and stay in their assigned lane. In the same way, Paul’s eyes were

locked on Jesus and his focus was on his task from God. Are you letting the voices around you

and the temptations of this world keep you from living out God’s mission?

3. The task of testifying the good news of God’s grace

Paul’s task was to share the good news of the Gospel. Our mission is the same. When we cling

to the Holy Spirit and keep our focus on spreading the good news of God’s grace, that’s how we

finish our race strong and see record breaking numbers in God’s Kingdom. 



Reflection: Where are you in your race with Jesus: the starting line, catching your stride, veering

into the wrong lane, coming down the finishing stretch? And… does the race you’re running

depict submission and obedience to God?

By C.A. Carter