FINESSING THE FLAME
TO FINESSE’: Artful subtlety, typically that is needed for tactful handling of a difficulty.
“The Greeks had a race in their Olympic games that was unique. The winner was not the runner who finished first. It was the runner who finished with his torch still lit. I want to run all the way with the flame of my torch still lit for Him.”
1Cor 9:24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain [it].
Those of us that are not contestants in the Olympic Games, are without a clue of the many months of grueling and rigorous physical training. The spur in their flanks is that gold medal to the winner. It drives them, moves them past their pain. All eyes are on that one prize; winning that gold disk to hang around their neck!
This one particular race by the Greeks, is perhaps the most fitting comparison to our Christian race. Not the first to cross the finish line. No! To the one who crosses the line with fire! In the hour we are living in, it is the greatest of challenges because friend, we are running a seemingly impossible course and here Jesus describes to a tee, what we are up against today! Matt 24:12 "And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. (Have you ever seen a time with more lawlessness?) The finesse’ we must possess to be victorious, is the unquenchable fire of love for God in our hearts! Yes Christian, we live in adverse and fire quenching times but the grace of God to pursue God’s heart, is available and we have the aide of the Holy Spirit. As we pursue His heart and live on His word, the fire burns. Then with that Holy Fire burning, we pursue Him more and more! Don’t let that fire die! Finish your race on fire! In Jesus name!
Every blessing!
—Tom