Contend for the Gospel

“Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.” Philippians 4:3 NIV

In a article subtitled “Rocky Hansen ran 3:59.56 on April 30 to become the most recent addition to the historic list,” the following was reported: Rocky Hansen of Christ School in North Carolina ran 3:59.56 on April 30 at the Virginia High Performance Meet. Jim Ryun of Wichita, Kansas became the first high school boy to run a sub-4:00 mile, breaking the barrier in 1964. For the next 51 years, only four additional high schoolers added their names to the prestigious shortlist. But since 2015—whether because of better coaches, improved shoe technology, or the rise of online training resources—the list has tripled. An entire one-quarter of the list cracked 4:00 last year in 2022. Rocky Hansen is the newest addition to the club, after winning the mile at a meet hosted by the University of Virginia on April 30.

And you know, while it’s most definitely an honor to be listed on such a ‘historic list,’ the highest pursuit of every believer should be to have their names listed “in the book of life.” You can be sure that this won’t come easy though, as only those who “have contended” or struggled fiercely for the cause of the gospel will achieve it—those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior and who have remained faithful despite the trials, tribulations, and difficulties they encountered along the way. 

So as co-workers of the cause, let us work alongside one another to share the Good News with the world my friend, starting in our own backyards. And let us work tirelessly to shine the light of Jesus into this dark world so that countless people will come to know You and have their names listed “in the book of life” as well. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that staying faithful and declaring truth in a world that’s becoming increasingly hostile to it will be a battle. Cause us to understand how much we need our brothers and sisters so that we would link arms and contend against evil as the formidable army You created us to be. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!