Greetings in Christ,
We have all seen it on the news and heard it on the radio. A race is taking place and the runners are neck and neck, but then suddenly one of the runners fall. One by one the other runners in the race stop and go back to help the one who has fallen to get back up and encourage the fallen runner to finish the race alongside the other runners. The whole group of runners crosses the finish line together in triumph with the crowd cheering them as well.
Many of you may have already figured it out. The reference is to the Special Olympics which take place. We see the effort of those individual runners and excitement as they run the race, but we see the other side of them as they stop to help a fellow runner when they fall. They have figured out they are not it for their own gain, but rather as a team even though they entered the race as individuals. It may seem as a counter diction to what they should be doing as they run the race individually, but they cannot help but have that innocent love for the other individual runners in the race. They do not look at it as an individual effort, but rather as a collective of the whole.
This effort to bring the whole to a win brings down the house by sparking the emotions of the onlookers in the stands to bring them to their feet giving applause to the runner’s desire to see all who entered the race complete it. This is why the news captures the event to bring it to the attention of the world to share the actions of a few to remind us of how we should act towards each other. It is to remind us of the innocent love which should drive us to help each other.
The love displayed by those runners in the race is not something that happens just occasionally. Those who enter the race have that love for each other as a part of the daily lives. They do not know how to act otherwise. We see it displayed in the headlines when it grabs the attention of the news media, but they live it every day.
Paul writes to the Romans giving them some guidelines on living their lives so they can help others along in Christianity. Paul tells them not to be in just for themselves, but to think about others who may not be as strong spiritually. Paul is asking them to be aware of others who may have fallen, extend a hand to help them stand back up and encouraged them to finish the race. It is not just about individual effort, but rather the whole must win. The intention is for the whole to win the race which is why Jesus came to earth.
John the Baptist is being asked by his disciples why Jesus seems to be getting more attention than him, and if it is fair to John for this to happen? John responds by saying Jesus must increase while he must decrease. Jesus was sent by the Father in heaven, and He gives the Spirit without measure. John is trying to tell his disciples they must believe in Jesus and be filled with the Holy Spirit.
It is easy to go through life and get caught up in our own activity. We sometimes find ourselves looking inward at our lives rather looking outward to others. We may have it rough, but others may be having a tougher time and are struggling to get back up. When we take the time to take the focus off ourselves and focus on others, we may see things in a different light. We may see the way it should be for us to live life.
To believe in Jesus and be filled with the Holy Spirit we must be willing to accept of all they have to give. When we are full of Jesus and the Holy Spirit, we have all the distinguishing characteristics of both. In essence we are full of the innocent love for others and wanting to see them finish the race. Jesus came to earth for all to win, not just for a few.
“The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the judgments of the Lord are true; they are righteous altogether. They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them Your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward. Who can discern his errors? Acquit me of hidden faults.
Also keep back Your servant from presumptuous sins; let them not rule over me; then I will be blameless, and I shall be acquitted of great transgression. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:7-14
Lord help us to see those who may need help. Let us ; encourage each other as we walk together on this earth. Amen
Blessings,