Finishing Well

My worldview has shifted to believe in an all-encompassing spiritual realm, engulfing the physical world with all the five senses can detect.  As a result, I do not believe this earthly existence is all life has to bring or offer.  Therefore, the vision and accompanying goals I cast for my life, which I believe is God's Will, must transcend all the human mind can comprehend.  For God and His kingdom are beyond the physical and even the metaphysical realms.  If I truly believe these principles, my life must be lived accordingly.  The Apostle Paul states in the Biblical book of Hebrews 12:1-3, 
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, 
let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, 
and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.  
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, 
who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, 
and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  
Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, 
so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."
For those who have disqualified themselves from the race through immoral and sinful living, there is still hope.  That hope is through Jesus Christ.  Of course there remain consequences to our actions, along with a differing role in the kingdom, but we can become redeemed through the blood of Jesus Christ.  Those who are disqualified now take a subordinate, supporting role to those who continue to run the race unblemished by their own actions.  (No one is sinless, but one can remain unblemished by willful sins.)  Currently I find myself in a subordinate, supporting role due to the indiscretions of my youth.  Yes, my heart breaks to what I could have been, used by God Almighty.  However, I can still become an instrument in God's Will and Kingdom.  In closing, I desire to encourage those who are running the race without becoming tainted by this world.  We are truly a chosen race, a royal priesthood who are in this world but not of this world.  The Apostle Paul states in II Timothy 4:6-8,
"For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, 
and the time has come for my departure.  
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  
Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, 
which the Lord, the righteous Judge, 
will award to me on that day -- and not only to me, 
but also to all who have longed for his appearing."

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