Finish Line

This week I've been fixated on the image of runners in a race. 

For most of my life, I feel like my goal has been to win.  To get there first.  To be the best.  I feel like I've been zipping around the race track of life, side-stepping other runners and lapping those who have fallen behind.  Once in a while, I'll glance to the sidelines and throw a thumbs up to God, as if to say, "Hey, check me out Lord!  I so got this."

I think that needs to change.

The Bible tells us in Luke 9:24 (and again in Matthew, and again in John) that, "For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it."  For me, it all points back to one simple truth that God has been inscribing on my heart:  it's not about me.  I'm not running this race for me.  The prize is not mine to win, because I've already received the greatest gift of all: eternal life with my Lord and Savior.  And I didn't do anything to earn it. 

So I think my view of the race track is shifting.  Instead of surging to the front to take the lead, I've decided to fall back.  To come alongside my teammates, to whisper words of encouragement when the going gets tough, and to cross the finish line together.  And I think that's the point.  If the finish line is heaven, I want as many people as possible from my life on earth to arrive with me.  My own little world is not about me.