Running the Race . . .
By T.F. Tenney
Those who know me well will attest that I am not very athletic-minded. Generally, I am not caught up in any of the sports craze - be it golf, football, basketball, hockey or any of the rest. However, in the early 1990s, there was a picture and story that emerged from the Olympic games that is indelibly imprinted on my heart and mind.
Derek Redmond, a British runner, was favored to win the gold medal in the 400-meter dash. Thirty or forty yards into the race he developed leg cramps, slowed and fell down writhing in pain. It was apparent that he was in tears and great pain while lying on the track. In just moments, the other runners had far outstripped him.
Suddenly, Derek's father came out of the stands and started to climb the protective fence. The security guards ran and grabbed him. He literally fought them off, jumped over the fence, and ran onto the track to the side of his fallen son. He then picked Derek up, put his arms around him, and literally carried the limping young man across the finish line.
Quite frankly, I couldn't tell you who won the gold, silver, or bronze that year. But I will never forget the picture that I saw of Derek Redmond and his father crossing the finish line together. It took great courage to finish the race but it was worth it! He would never have made it if someone hadn't cared enough to help - if someone hadn't broke rank, jumped the fence, taken a chance - and put his arm around a fallen son!
So what does that have to do with a New Year - and renewal and revival? Simply this: It’s a challenge to you, the reader, to make this a year when you reach out and help someone...and by a simple act of kindness toward another find yourself renewed – renewed in your commitment to God, renewed in your spirit by a singular selfless act..
We live in a world of people who need help. Some are in grave financial situations - and just a simple “offering” of some extra groceries would bless that family that is struggling to make ends meet. Others are physically challenged - perhaps an elder couple in your church or neighborhood would see Jesus in you if you would drop by and mow their lawn. Some are lonely - and just a simple smile and a moment’s conversation would be an immeasurable blessing to them.
Believe it or not, there is a gift of helps mentioned in I Corinthians 12:28. It may not be as auspicious as some of the vocal gifts or the government gifts, but there is none that is more needful. Are there any candidates for the gift of helps? I've often heard it said, "I want God to use me...." You make yourself available and I promise you, God will wear you out. If nothing else, just by helping others who are in need He will use you. It should be our desire for this New Year to be used of God in the gift of helps.
In this day of non-involvement, may God baptize all of us with the gift of helps. Someone on the job is hurting. Are you sensitive enough to note or care? You may not be the gold winner - but are you willing to help the leader finish first and look good? That's what it is all about - helping.
Make up your mind that in this year, both in the secular and the sacred world, you are going to help. Volunteer to your pastor and church staff now by simply saying, "What can I do to help?" You will then be operating in the gifts of the Spirit. This could be your New Year's pledge - and it could change your entire life.
Paul wrote to Timothy about “forgetting the things which are behind” and “pressing toward the mark.” It was a sports analogy - striving for the prize. Renewal and restoration - hope and healing - will come to those who learn the lesson of looking forward not backward - of reaching out to others, rather than forever clutching things tightly for selfish gain.
F. B. Meyer wrote,
“It is a mistake to be always turning back to recover the past. The law for Christian living is not backward, but forward; not for experiences that lie behind, but for doing the will of God, which is always ahead and beckoning us to follow. Leave the things that are behind, and reach forward to those that are before, for on each new height to which we attain, there are the appropriate joys that befit the new experience. Don't fret because life's joys are fled. There are more in front. Look up, press forward, the best is yet to be!”
So reach out and help someone this year. Be the one to come down from the grandstand of life - climb over whatever obstacles may be in your way - and put your arm around a struggling brother or sister - and finish the race together!
Happy New Year!
