What are some of the pitfalls we must look out for if we want to finish well in the race of life that is set before us?

First, consider the pitfall of LAZINESS. God has given us all gifts, callings, talents, and assignments. Some people, honestly speaking, are just too lazy to discipline themselves to prepare for and work to achieve what God has set before them. Jesus chided such a person, “. . . you wicked and lazy slave” (Matthew 25:26). Proverbs, called the Book of Wisdom, has much to say about laziness. (See Proverbs 8:9, 24:33, 34.)

What are some methods to overcome laziness?

1) Associate with “crazy” people who are high energy, highly motivated and diligent. It can motivate you. The Apostle Paul was such a “sold out” individual. (See Acts 20:24.)

2) Remember God’s reputation. When you value the sacrifices of those who helped you to get where you are, you don’t want to waste it or tarnish that person. God gave the greatest sacrifice for you – His Son! Jesus said of the Father, “I always do the things that are pleasing to Him” (John 8:29).

3) Remember, you have been assigned a work in this life and you only have a certain amount of time to accomplish it. (See John 9:4).

Another pitfall is temptation. We all have areas of temptation. Giving in to it does not happen suddenly, but one step at a time. Samson started well but did not finish well. (See Judges 16.) How can we overcome the pitfalls of temptation?

1) Pursue high levels of person honesty. Be honest with yourself and God. “Thou dost desire truth in the inner most being (Psalm 51:6).

2) Think through what a fully inflamed flaw might do to you if left unchecked. (See I Timothy 5:24 and I Corinthians 10:12, 13.) What would the consequences by to your goals, life, and family?

3) Arm yourself with Bible truth. (See Psalm 119:9.) Jesus overcame the temptation of the devil by using the Word of God as His weapon (Matthew 4:1-11).

4) Have some friends that know your secrets and will hold you accountable. Sadly, some do not want to be accountable to anyone, including Jesus Christ.

What if we succumb to the pitfall of temptation? God has given us the means of sin management. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (I John 1:9, 10). There is no other way to restoration.
Discouragement is one of the greatest pitfalls in the race of life. There are many sources of discouragement. They come from within us and from without. What can help us?

1) Get a more mature and spiritual perspective. Failure is not the end. Sometimes we must lower our expectations and face reality. It’s then we can trust God to do what we cannot do. Jesus taught us not to be discouraged by the results (Mark 4:3-20).

2) Community and team closeness can encourage you. Realize you are not alone. Reach out.

3) You can win by borrowing from the courage and faith of others. Other people’s lives can inspire us. Reading of those who persevered can encourage us. The Word of God will build your faith. We are admonished to consider Jesus and His enduring of the cross and the race set before Him (Hebrews 12:1-7).

4) Forget what is behind you and press forward to what lies ahead. God for the prize (Philippians 3:13, 14).

When the Apostle Paul came to the end of his life he could say, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, and I have kept the faith” (II Timothy 4:7).

What about you? Don’t be sidetracked. Make Jesus “the author and finisher” of your faith. Keep your eye on Jesus and you will finish well and receive the crown of eternal life.
“For as many as received Him, gave He power to become children of God, even as many as believed on His name” (John 1:12).