This trip I was struck by something in particular. The departure boards showing the time the gates open start to be surrounded by people at about the five minute countdown. People shift from foot to foot clutching their luggage and the minute the gate is shown they sprint off down the concourse in a race to the gate. It really is hilarious. And we all seem to do it. I wonder what it is in us that has to be first in line, top of the queue , beating the crowds? The irony is of course that sprinting to the departure gate is of no benefit whatsoever. Neither, as far as I can see, is purchasing a 'speedy boarding' ticket which gets you to the head of the line. Being first in the queue just means you have to stand for longer on the steps or in the corridor. And you have a seat on the plane regardless of whether you are first or last in the queue. I'm sure everyone realises this but it doesn't seem to stop the stampede.
I wonder if the need to win is a cultural thing or if it is built into us as part of that ' run the race, win the prize' calling that God has put inside each of us. You only need to watch children at play to realise that being competitive comes to most of us early in life. We all like to win. Nobody wants to be the last to be picked for the sports team. We all enjoy the sense of pride in achieving something and being the best. Even being the best at sprinting to the departure gate 😊
Some things are worth striving for and some things really aren't. We can work ourselves into an early grave, try to keep up with the neighbours, diet and do botox to fend off the wrinkles. But at the end of the day none of those things confer eternal benefits. According to Paul the prize for which we should be striving is ' the upward call of God'. Jesus calls us to heaven, to a crown of righteousness and to life everlasting in the presence of the Father. As Matthew Henry in his commentary on Philippians 3:14 says
The life of a Christian is in heaven, where his Head and his home are, and where he hopes to be shortly; he sets his affections upon things above; and where his heart is, there will his conversation be. There is glory kept for the bodies of the saints, in which they will appear at the resurrection. Then the body will be made glorious; not only raised again to life, but raised to great advantage. Observe the power by which this change will be wrought. May we be always prepared for the coming of our Judge; looking to have our vile bodies changed by his Almighty power, and applying to him daily to new-create our souls unto holiness; to deliver us from our enemies, and to employ our bodies and souls as instruments of righteousness in his service.
Amen to that !
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