Runners pride

Runners pride

"Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.."  Proverbs 16:18

Look at me! Look at me!  In a world where everyone wants to get noticed or be famous, the "look at me" attitude is everywhere.  From youtube to reality shows, the trend doesn't look to be slowing down.  And, with pride, comes an attitude that one person is better than another.   The dictionary definition of pride is an excessively high opinion of oneself and one's abilities. The bible says that pride is substituting our own authority, our own plan, our greatness, our human goodness in the place of God's.  Pride is the opposite of humility and was introduced by Satan. Satan uses power, fame, possessions and "details" of life to stimulate people to become proud.

Runners and athletes are certainly not exempt from being "puffed up" with pride.  The competitive nature of sports, being the best you can be and beating others, makes it a dangerous place for a Christian athlete.  We must always be questioning our motives and making sure our goals are focused on Christ and His plan for our lives.

I remember, back in 2010, boarding the plane to run my first Boston Marathon.  I felt so blessed and was so excited to be going there.  As usual, I smiled at those around me and noticed a gentleman (in first class), as I was headed to my seat, with a Boston Marathon jacket on.  "Are you going to Boston too?" I excitedly asked.  He looked at me as if I wasn't even worthy of a response.  He actually looked me up and down (TEAM413 shirt on and all) before responding with a simple snotty yes and then opened up his paper so I would say no more.  You bet I kept moving.

After I sat down and thought about that, I got angry.  Not at what the man said but at the man himself...his haughty eyes and prideful attitude!! I wanted to march up that aisle and say, "Mister, your talent is not your own and you wouldn't be here if God had not allowed it.  So wipe that proud smirk off your face and read this bible!"   Aaaaahhhh.... now that would be memorable.  But, of course I didn't do it.   I did pray for him though.

Pride is not recognizing God as the maker and ruler of everything.  It's attributing our successes, abilities and possessions to ourselves, as if we could do anything apart from God.  1 Corinthians 4:7 says, "What do you have that you did not receive?  And if you did receive it, whey do you boast as though you did not?" 

It's not necessarily wrong to feel good about something we have accomplished as long as we recognize and admit that we could not have accomplished it apart from God.   It is wrong, though,  to act as if we did it on our own.  At the very least, we are sinners saved by Grace and given gifts and abilities consistent with our willingness to use them to glorify God.  At the very most, we are evidence of the amazing power of God at work in our lives.

If there's one thing I have learned along this journey, it's this.  If you give God the glory, He will give you the victory.  Only true humility can replace pride and that comes only from a relationship with Jesus Christ.  If you don't know Him, open up your bible.

Heavenly Father, thank you for our gifts and abilities.  Thank You for choosing us to glorify You through them.  May we always remember that You are Creator of all things and we are nothing apart from You.  In Your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.  

A must have for your playlist.  Happy Running!!!!!

   2nd Annual Prairie Spirit Trail Ultra Race Saturday, 29 March 2014 Ottawa, Kansas Melissa and her teammates will endeavor to complete the 100-mile Ultra Race along the Prairie Spirit Trail. Please support them. Sponsor Team 413 at gracerunner413.blogspot.com or call 573-433-6684 or 573-774-4992 Missouri Team 413 Ambassador Melissa Martinez Members of TEAM 413 – GRACERUNNER MINISTRIES, INC. are raising funds to provide free Ultrasounds to women experiencing un-planned or crisis pregnancies in Pulaski County. All money raised will go towards training volunteer technicians and ultrasound maintenance at the Free Women’s Center. The Free Women’s Center empowers as many individuals as possible to make healthy life choices consistent with the intrinsic value of human life. The Center offers free and confidential pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, prenatal education, and financial & material assistance. Learn more at www.supportmyfwc.com.

Here's this link also for donations. https://www.egsnetwork.com/gift/gift.php?giftid=173BB95D-9D6E-4547-B8B6-0E9CE19D56F8.