RUNNING FOR OTHERS

Tom never won a race during school, even though he was part of the track team. Tom was a ‘pusher’. It was his job to set the pace for his team mates, who would then beat him to the finish line. When he ran a successful race, he was helping another runner to win. Even though Tom never had enough energy for the final sprint to victory, the coach knew he was a very important member of the team.

In a similar way, the New Testament tells us to run our ‘race’ looking to help others succeed. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” (PHILIPPIANS 2:3-4). Why? Firstly, by living like this we give people a picture of Jesus Christ, who left the glory of heaven to share our humanity and die on the cross so that we could have unending life with Him (VV.5-8).

Secondly, because the most important thing—ever—is to see more and more people crossing the finish line. In other words, trusting Jesus for themselves and choosing to bow before Him so that they can know His love and forgiveness. Whatever other aims and dreams we have for our lives, they can never compare with helping others to ‘run’ for Jesus. If our ‘running’ can help another person meet Jesus, we should praise God. We are not told to be ‘winners’ who get everything they want in life. We are to be pushers, helping others to take hold of the prize of knowing Jesus, just as we have.

To pray about . . .

Father, please help me to be looking for ways to share Jesus with the people I know. There are lots of things I want to achieve and enjoy in life—but may those things never get in the way of helping others find and follow Jesus for themselves.