ARTICLES

Run Your Race

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1-2)

So David went out wherever Saul sent him, and prospered; and Saul set him over the men of war. And it was pleasing in the sight of all the people and also in the sight of Saul’s servants. It happened as they were coming, when David returned from killing the Philistine, that the women came out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, with tambourines, with joy and with musical instruments. The women sang as they played, and said,

“Saul has slain his thousands, And David his ten thousands.”

Then Saul became very angry, for this saying displeased him; and he said, “They have ascribed to David ten thousands, but to me they have ascribed thousands. Now what more can he have but the kingdom?” Saul looked at David with suspicion from that day on. (1 Samuel 18:5-9)

Who are you racing with? The comparing game is a dangerous game to play as we see here in the example of King Saul. He was comparing against David.

1. Comparison can destroy our destiny

Many are unaware of what comparison can do against them. Comparison will kill your joy. It will steal your peace and It will suffocate your sanity. When we compare, we are only allowing our joy, peace and sanity to be taken away. This is opposite of what we want to have in life! Take a closer look at what the bible tells us about comparison.

For we are not bold to class or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves; but when they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are without understanding. (1 Corinthians 10:12)

Let us first establish a CALLING and a CAREER.

• There is a CALL or a DIVINE ASSIGNMENT on your life.
• A Career is what you get PAID to do. A Calling is what you are MADE to do.
• As a believer, each of us has a calling. God has given you everything you need to accomplish that call.

One thing we need to know is that we are God’s Masterpiece. He made each one of us to be unique. Paul wrote, “For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” (Ephesians 2:10)

2. Stay In Your Own Lane and Focus on Jesus

If you notice in a race, especially those like 100m, 200m or 400m races, the runners have to keep to their lanes and focus to finish. Each lane has 2 lines and each runner has to run within that 2 lines. Similarly, there are 2 parallel destinies.

a. Universal
We are called to become like Jesus each day. The more we spend time with God and going into His Word, the more we are transformed to be like Him each day.

b. Unique
Although some people may look the same but they are unique and that also applies to twins! Look at what the bible says in Psalms 139:13-14

"For You formed my inward parts;
You wove me in my mother’s womb.
I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Wonderful are Your works,
And my soul knows it very well."

The challenge each and every one of us is to stay on our lane and keep our eyes on Jesus.

3. Lessons we can learn from King Saul

King Saul didn’t like what he heard from the ladies singing praises upon David. When Saul heard that, he went from running his race facing forward to fixing his eyes on David instead. His focus was distracted and he failed to fulfill the destiny that God has prepared for him.

Comparison is always the beginning of the end.

Noticed how in 1 Samuel 18:9 that King Saul looked at David in suspicion from that day onwards. He fixed his eyes on David instead of God!

COMPARISON always starts with “BUT ME…”.

King Saul could not distinguish his success from David’s success. There are some signs for the BUT ME attitude.

• If you can’t celebrate the successes of other people
• If you are stingy with your compliments
• If there is anybody in your life that secretly you will find joy or happiness in their failure

We have to be careful of the culture of today’s social media(ME-dia) where the focus is always to have the attitude of “BUT ME”. Let us learn to get in our lanes and focus our eyes on Jesus!