Psalm 139:1-3 | 2 Timothy 1:9 | Philippians 3:12-14
On your marks, get set…
Before we go any further…if you haven’t yet noticed that you are in a race, [link: https://thesuperbookshow.com/run-the-good-race/] you may want to read this first. That said, you’re in a race, but who do you run it for?
I run in the path of your commands, for you have broadened my understanding.
Psalm 119:32 NIV
When you compare yourself to others, you find yourself trying to outrun–or keep up with–everybody else. You’re running someone else’s race!
Is that what God made you for?
He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace.
2 Timothy 1:9 NIV
No! If you are a follower of Christ, you have been called to a holy life–a life set apart for God’s special purposes. Your understanding has been broadened, and your race is to follow the path of his commands. That is your race.
You are not straining toward a perfectly photographed social media profile, you are pressing on toward a life lived in perfect submission to God’s will.
But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me.
Philippians 3:12b NLT
And press on you must, because it is a race toward Destiny. And what an amazing destiny it is for God’s people! It is an end so good, it makes you want to forget your past mistakes, shortcomings, foibles, and sins, and keep striding toward the open arms of our Savior Jesus.
Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.
Philippians 3:13b-14 NLT
So put down your phone or tablet. Clear from your mind the manicured images of online personalities. Fix your eyes on the heavenly prize, and run your race.
Questions for Group Discussion
- Why is it so easy to get caught up in what other people are doing? Is this limited to social media? Why is it such a ‘thing’ with social media?
- What does it mean when a coach tells an athlete to ‘run their own race?’ How is following Christ like running a race?
- How can you/do you run your race, and not get caught up in how other people are doing?
Challenge: Cheeky Blinders
Literal much? Yes, we are.
Have you ever seen the things they put on horses to keep them focused on where they are led? They are called blinders.
Blinders are little leather pieces used to block a horse’s peripheral vision. They keep the horse from getting distracted by things happening around them. Wouldn’t it be nice if they made them for people?
- Choose a material from which to make your blinders. Here are some suggestions:
- Construction Paper
- Cardboard
- Card Stock
- Leather
- Make yourself a headband to which you will attach your blinders.
- Cut out appropriately sized squares and attach them to the headband.
- Try the blinders on, adjust/redesign as necessary.
BONUS: Run a footrace wearing your blinders.
What is it like to wear your blinders? Does it help you focus on what is ahead, or does it make you feel constrained?
Keep your blinders for as long as you need a reminder to run your own race without getting distracted by who/what is around you.
