"Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor." Romans 12:10
The final race of the World Triathlon Series in Cozumel, Mexico, ended dramatically Sunday when Jonny Brownlee of Britain, in the lead and with less than half a mile to go, showed signs of serious dehydration. As he staggered over to a water station on the brink of collapse, his brother Alistair, who was right behind him and in a battle for second place against Henri Schoeman of South Africa, saw what happened and ran to help him pulling Jonny's arm over his shoulder as he led them both to the finish line. It's what happened next that's really the best part of the story though. With Schoeman now in first, Alistair could still have claimed second place-but he pushed his brother ahead, across the finish line before him, to claim it instead.
Wow. In this competitive world, I wonder how many of us would have done that same thing? But the Bible tells us that that is just the right attitude that you and I are to have. We are commanded to "Love one another with brotherly affection," and to "Outdo one another in showing honor." In other words, we are to love others so much that we would put them first-showing them that they are more important than ourselves-showing them the highest respect because they are our brothers and sisters in Christ, created in God's image.
So yes, let us compete. But not for a prize or title that will rot, rust or fade away. Let us strive to surpass and outdo one another in displaying love, esteem and honor that we might, in this way, show the love of Christ to others. After all, Jesus was, is and always will be the Champion at this.
Heavenly Father, thank you for the example these two brothers have shown of what it truly means to love and honor someone above yourself. In our quest to be the best at home, work or on the race course, may we never lose sight of what we are truly competing for... a chance to love and honor others the way you have loved and honored us. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!!!
Brother - Need to breathe
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