A worthy effort

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. — 2 Timothy 4:7                                

Have you heard about the “lawn-chair astronaut”? A 31-year-old truckdriver attached 40 large, helium-filled balloons to a lawn chair. Then, with a CB radio, an altimeter, a parachute, and a life jacket, he began his ascent into the “wild blue yonder.” He also took a pellet gun so that he could shoot as many of the balloons as necessary when he was ready to come back to earth.

When he reached an altitude of 3 miles, he decided it was time to come down, so he started popping balloons with his gun. As he tried to land, he got caught in a power line. He later said, “My family used to think I was crazy. Now they want me to write a book, and my sister wants me to get an agent.”

Well, I certainly would never encourage anyone to attempt a dangerous stunt like that. I can think of a number of other activities that will do more than simply get your name in the news. As a Christian, you must set out to do things that are worthy of the effort and risks. Your goal should be to fight the good fight, to finish the race, and to keep the faith (2 Timothy 4:7).

Striving to attain spiritual goals brings personal satisfaction, imparts blessing to others, and offers an eternal reward (v.8). That’s a worthy effort!— Richard De Haan  

O Thou who died on Calvary

To save my soul and make me free,

I’ll consecrate my life to Thee,

My Savior and my God! — Hudson

READ: 2 Timothy 4:1-8

Is what you’re living for worth dying for?

The Bible in one year:

• Revelation 13-15