KEEP MOVING FORWARD

A marathon is a long-distance running sport, where each runner must cover a distance of up to 42 km. Nevertheless, there has never been a marathon runner who carries supplies, let alone a backpack with various food or drinks. To reach the goal, each marathon runner will not spend energy by running as fast as possible. Considering the long distance, they must be able to manage energy wisely. Also, proper breathing techniques.

Just like a marathon, the journey of faith that we must take stretches out as far as the age of our lives. As long as we live, we must keep moving forward, striving for life in obedience, truth, and love. Every success we achieve in the midst of our life journey is not an achievement to boast about. Likewise, the failures that occur are not traumas that should continue to haunt. The struggle must continue in faithfulness. Meanwhile, the "backpack of the past" will only burden us, slowing down our pace towards the goal.

Paul, who has lived a life in repentance and surrendered himself to be a servant of Christ, also affirms that he is still moving forward. He conveyed this to show that his struggle is not over. His achievements in ministry have not made him perfect and complete in knowing Christ. Therefore, Paul does not boast or feel satisfied and stop. He keeps moving forward, continuing the process towards a deeper understanding and likeness of Christ. May we do the same. --EBL/www.renunganharian.net