"For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice." James 3:16 NIV
Mark Remy, AKA the Dumb Runner, recently published an article describing a local man's reaction to learning that the race he had expected to run last weekend had been canceled. Navin Johnson, 25, was checking his email over breakfast when he saw the announcement from the race, the Marie Half-Marathon. Organizers cited the coronavirus outbreak in explaining its decision to cancel the event, noting that “it was not a decision we made lightly, but the health and safety of our community is paramount.” Johnson, reading that part out loud, rolled his eyes. “Oh come on!” he said. “Seriously? You’ve got to be kidding me. I’ve run this race the past three years! They’re gonna ruin my streak!” He also noted that he had really been looking forward to the race. “This is so stupid,” he said.
Sadly it's not only Navin who’s voicing this type of self-centered, unmindful and insensitive reaction to the cancellations of many races around the country. Lots of runners are. But this type of disorderly or confused and chaotic thinking is the mindset people with "selfish ambition" have. And while their thought process clearly makes no sense to us--especially when you and I consider the possibility and ramifications of spreading the virus in the midst of such a large event--it makes total sense to them as they are so concerned about their own interests and goals that they are oblivious to the welfare of others.
So knowing how destructive selfish ambition can be in our walk with God and to our witness, let us make it our daily goal to bring Him glory by putting others first. It's only then that you and I will be following the example of Christ who always considered the needs of others before His own.
Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that trials reveal our true character. Help us to surrender our will daily that we might become more and more like Jesus, thinking and behaving in ways that show the world we are Your children. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.
Happy Running!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment