By Brian Dixon

A life of faith may be compared to running a marathon. Both are serious undertakings requiring dedication and commitment. Both experiences are vastly improved with the help of a good trainer or a coach. And, no one should expect to excel at either without putting in a considerable amount of time and effort. The apostle Paul spoke like this, coaching a young pastor (2 Timothy 4:7), and all who would walk in the way of Jesus, to fight a good fight, to finish the race and keep the faith. Elsewhere (Philippians 3:14) Paul writes about digging deep, stretching and pressing “…toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

When we have come to expect so many other things in life to be quick and easy: online shopping, instant messaging, quick lubes and fast food – it can be difficult for us to wait for and to work on things that take time. It has become easier to overlook the important things, things with lasting value, things that will really matter years from now; things like family and friends, getting to know our neighbors and participating in our communities. Things like spending time with a loving God in whom we live and move and have our being.

During my senior year of high school I joined the swim team. I enjoyed hanging out with my friends but hated showing up for practice. Most of the team was in the water every day by 6 a.m. and then again after school, but not me. Even so, I still had the fastest 50 and 100 meter freestyle. One day our dear ole Coach asked where I got the strange notion that I could put in almost zero effort and expect to compete. He felt that this was foolish and wasteful. My answer was unsatisfactory (to say the least) and he challenged me to a race – 200 meters. I had never swum a 200, but there was no doubt in my mind that I was going to defeat him. I asked if we should have him sign a waiver before we started, him being my elder and all. He smiled and said, “Get in the water, punk.” I was well ahead of Coach after the first 100. But, that was it. That was all I had. As I came sputtering to the side of the pool a 100 meters and an eternity later, coach was standing there with his shirt back on, offering me a towel!

I learned a valuable lesson that day and will be forever grateful to the man who taught it to me. I see now that each of us is gifted by God in many special ways. Some have creative talents and the ability to inspire. Others have gifts for compassion, hospitality, or patient listening and wise counsel. Everyone can do something. But, it is not enough for us just to know that we are gifted. To be blessed. We all must use these gifts, exercise and share them with one another. And, I really believe that this is why such things are given. “For the equipping of the saints, for the work of ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ…” (Ephesians 4:12). A life of faith does take effort and it takes time. Yours and mine, together. Ours’ and our Savior’s, through the working and the praying and the many and varied gifts of his servant people, the Church.

Cannonball!

Rev. Brian Dixon is pastor of Lake Auburn Moravian Church in Victoria.