Monthly Thought

January 2006

This is a story that I read recently:

Greyhound racing is a popular sport in some parts of the country. It attracts crowds, who enjoy watching dogs running as fast as they can around a track chasing a mechanical rabbit made of fur as it zips along a track in front of them. A man in the press box electronically controls the speed of the rabbit, keeping the rabbit just out in front of the dogs. The dogs never catch up to it.

A few years back, a big greyhound race was about to begin. With the dogs in their cages, the gun went off. The man in the press box pushed his lever, starting the rabbit down the first stretch, while the cage doors flew open, releasing the dogs to take off after the little rabbit. As the rabbit made the first turn, however, an electrical short in the system caused the rabbit to come to a complete stop, to explode, and to go up in flames. Poof! All that was left was a bit of black stuff hanging on the end of a wire.

Their rabbit gone, the bewildered dogs didn't know how to act. According to news reports, several dogs simply stopped running and laid down on the track, their tongues hanging out. Two dogs, still frenzied with the chase, ran into a wall, breaking several ribs. Another dog began chasing his tail, while the rest howled at the people in the stands. Not one dog finished the race.

Like racing greyhounds, people pursue their chosen rabbit. It could be popularity...success...careers...relationships...image. Humans need some reason for living - for running the race. What is your goal, your purpose in life, your hope? What if it were taken away? Sadly, many young people chase an illusion, a mechanical rabbit of sorts, which ultimately turns out to offer no hope at all.

I continually need reminding about what life is about, and about what my goals in life should be as I run the race for Christ. To be honest, for me it is always a continual struggle. Paul the apostle wrote out what kept him motivated to run the race: "For to me, to live is Christ" (Philippians 1:21). Jesus is the only one who can give us lasting purpose, meaning, and hope.

Paul later wrote, "I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:14). To know Christ is the only lasting, eternal goal. What amazing things that God has in store for those who love Him and obey His commands.

If you have any question, do email me on timblackburn@tesco.net

Tim Blackburn