While it is well for us to notice the various steps in the progress of our race toward the “mark,” we are to remember that the illustration does not fit perfectly, but that rather while there is this order of progression it is less distinctly marked in our experiences, in which duty-love but gradually leads into the higher forms, remaining, but subordinately, to the end. It is a part of the blessed arrangement of God that those who are running in this race are not reckoned with according to the flesh, but as “new creatures,” according to the spirit, the mind, the will, the intention.

We may never hope to attain to this grand “mark” of perfect Love in our flesh, so that every act and every word would give full proof of the real spirit of love which fills our hearts. Some may have greater weaknesses and defects in the flesh than others, and hence may be less able than others to uniformly and thoroughly show the real sentiments of their hearts. But God looks at the heart; it is the heart that he sees running in this race; it is the heart which is to attain to this “mark” set before us in the Gospel – this mark of perfect love, which includes even our enemies. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”

If now we see clearly that perfect love is “the mark of the prize,” we see something to strive for in our daily lives; a condition which we can by God’s grace attain, and which must be obtained if we would be counted worthy a place in the Kingdom.

The Lord is not selecting the members of the Bride of Christ by an arbitrary election; neither is he selecting them on the lines of a mere sentimentality; he is selecting them on the lines of character, heart-development; and those who attain this likeness to his Son, this “mark” of the prize, this standard of what is pleasing and acceptable to the Father – these, and these alone, may have confident hope of joint-heirship with our Lord. How important, then, that each runner in this race follow closely the Apostle’s injunction to lay aside every weight and hindrance, and to run with patience the race set before us in the Gospel – “looking unto Jesus,” the author of our faith, until he shall have become the finisher of it (Heb. 12:1) – giving us grace to conquer, and keeping us through his Word and through his providence unto the end of the race.

Each one on this race-course should examine himself, rather than examine others, in respect to progress in this narrow way; for each knows his own heart condition and the weaknesses of his own flesh better than any other knows these, the Lord alone excepted. Let us each note just where he is in the race-course, rejoicing that he is in the race at all; considering it a great privilege to be thus called and privileged to enter in this race. If we find that we have passed the first quarter-mark, let us rejoice and press on. If we find that we have passed the second also, let us rejoice so much the more, but not slack our running. If we find that we have passed the third quarter we may properly rejoice so much the more, and press with vigor on; and if we have attained to the fourth mark, of perfect love, which includes even enemies, we have indeed cause for great rejoicing.

The prize is ours, if we but remain faithful. But, as the Apostle says, “Having done all, stand” – with all the armor on; stand in various testing’s which will then, as much as ever along the race-course, be brought to bear against us to divert us away from the mark, before the great Inspector and giver of rewards shall say, “Well done, good and faithful servant; enter thou into the joys of thy Lord.” – Eph. 6:13-17.

It is indispensable to those who have reached the mark of perfect love that they shall keep actively engaged in the service of the Lord, laying down their lives for the brethren; because he who loveth not his brother, whom he hath seen, what assurance hath he that he really loves God, whom he hath not seen? (1 John 4:20.) Such must stand, not only as representatives of God and of the principles of righteousness, but as representatives of those strong in the Lord and in the power of his might, and in the faith of his Word, – ready and willing and efficient in the encouragement of other runners in the race-course, that they likewise may attain to the “mark.” As the Apostle says: “As many, therefore, as are perfect, should be of this mind; and if in anything you think differently, God will reveal this to you; but to what we have attained, let us walk by the same line. Brethren, become joint-imitators of me, and watch those who are thus walking, as you have us for a pattern.” – Phil. 3:15-17, Diaglott. (R2753)