Pursue the Interests of Others

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” Philippians 2:3-4 NIV 

In a story titled "After Nearly Stealing the Show at the Olympic Marathon Trials, Zach Panning Has No Regrets" published yesterday, it was reported that as Zach Panning crossed the 22-mile mark at the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials on February 3, he split his watch and took a quick peek: It read 5:08, his slowest mile of the day so far. He’s led nearly every second of the race since the 6-mile mark, dwindling down a group of 41 to just two others: Clayton Young and Conner Mantz. Moments later, Mantz passed Panning and offered some words of encouragement... By mile 24, Panning fell 18 seconds behind the leaders. A mile later, he was 43 seconds back, with the chase pack gaining on him. He finally crossed the line in sixth place in 2:10:50, nearly a minute outside of the top three spots, which he needed to be in to make the Olympic team. After the race, Panning, 28, was praised for his courageous racing and for taking charge of the race when the pace lagged during the opening miles. “[Zach] made this race happen,” Clayton Young, who finished second, said in the post-race press conference. “Big props to him ... he’s a great athlete, but he’s an even better person.”

And you knew, while Panning’s performance didn’t gain him a spot on the Olympic team, “his courageous racing” will be remembered forever by Young, who attributed his success to the efforts of Zach, proving once again that people won’t always remember your finish times but they will remember the times you displayed extraordinary kindness to them. Which was why Paul, when writing to the church at Philippi, said, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” You see, Paul knew that worldly pursuits held no eternal value, but looking out for “the interests of others” did. 

So while it’s perfectly okay to strive for awards and accolades my friend, so as long as they bring God glory and isn’t done at the expense of others, our greatest pursuit should be to point the lost to Christ. Something we do when we show them the sacrificial love of Jesus that puts their interests above our own. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that what we do for ourselves will never last, but what we do for You by helping others will. Lord, help us to faithfully pursue the things that will have eternal value that we might do our part in making heaven full. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!