The Race is Not a Competition

There are many types of races: The 100-yard dash, one mile run, 5 mile race, and the marathon. In the Bible, Paul likened our life to a race, telling us to "run the race."

I was thinking this morning I how much I dislike it when someone infers that I am in a competition with them - especially when it comes to the giftings God has given us. This suggests that the Lord Himself - the One who has called us to work alongside of each other - has entered us into a competetive race against each other. Those who are of this mind set, and also work on a team with people of similiar gifts and strengths, will look around to see with whom he must compete, sizing everyone up against his own gift. And, a competition requires a different set of rules, standards and motivation in teamwork. It is similar to worldly standards, who often operate with cut throat I'll-run-over-you-if-you-don't-get-out-of-my-way-methods that is sure to be contentious and mean-spirited.

I have, in fact, removed myself from such teams. For jealousy, and the ambition to suceed, will always seek pre-eminence. I prefer to step down and give the competetive person my position rather than contend for any "rights" I think I may have.

I do not see this competetive method employed by Jesus Himself when he formed a team to work with. Neither do I believe Paul was suggesting to run such a race - a competition. Rather, we are running a race of endurance. In this race the finish line is the face of Jesus - and His delight - and not the goal of our next ambitious God-event. We sometimes lose sight of this as we seek to serve God.

A devoted worshiper runs the race and competes against no one, often running alone, with eyes upon the goal, undistracted by the crowd response of cheers - or jeers. This race is measured as successful by God's pleasure clearly defined upon the life of the worshiper - not by spiritual gifts, riches, powerful positions of influence, appointed offices in a ministry, or promotions.

The success of this race is the strength of endurance, a gift of God's grace upon our lives, all the way to the end - to the finish line. "He who endures to the end will be saved."

Let's run the race...to Jesus...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTNjM3UnX3I