Going The Distance

You must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of.

2 Timothy 3:14

The 1976 Oscar-winning movie Rocky is the story of Rocky Balboa, a small-time boxer who trains long and hard for the opportunity to fight heavyweight champion Apollo Creed. When Rocky loses the first fight against Creed, he resolves to train harder and fight him again. He says that all he wants to do is “go the distance” with Creed. When he finally does go the distance, he is bloody, swollen, broken, and completely exhausted. But he’s finished the fight!

The original Rocky Balboa was Paul in the New Testament. He was beaten, stoned, and shipwrecked, and he was placed in perils of waters, robbers, and his own countrymen in the city, in the wilderness, and at sea (2 Corinthians 11:22-31). Yet his one desire was to go the distance for Christ, and he did. Paul was able to remain committed to Christ because he trusted Him with his future and his life.

We should all strive for complete commitment in our walk with Christ; and when the going gets rough, let us not quickly forget our promise. Resolve to go the distance for the glory of God!

The knowledge of Christ’s love for us should cause us to love Him in such a way that it is demonstrated in our attitude, conduct, and commitment to serve God.

EDWARD BEDORE