A true champion

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves." Philippians 2:3 BSB

In early June of this year, ultrarunner Jeremy Humphrey, 41, of McCall, Idaho, learned that a woman and her dog had been missing for nearly a week in the nearby Valley County Wilderness. And since he was familiar with the area after years of running and race directing ultras in those woods, Jeremy decided to put his expertise and running abilities to good use by joining in the search. Around 20 miles into it though, Jeremy knew he would have to turn around soon or run out of supplies so he decided to check out a few lakes before heading back; and that's when he saw the woman and her dog who were eventually rescued. “Normally, running is super selfish and fueled by the desire to be a champion,” Humphrey said. “All these years of doing that, I feel like I had a skill set that made it possible to help someone else, and that feels good. It feels not so selfish.”

And you know when it comes to being concerned excessively or exclusively with ourselves and what we want without regard for others and their needs (the definition of being selfish), the Bible is clear that you and I are to do "nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride" but are to "consider others more important" than ourselves. And that starts by remembering that any talent we have comes from God for the sole purpose of using that talent to serve others and to bring Him glory; something we do only when we humble ourselves before the throne and say, "Not my will but Yours be done Lord. Use me the way You see fit.”

And while a 'champion' can be defined as a person who has defeated or surpassed all rivals in a competition, especially in sports, a true champion is a person who gives glory where glory is due and puts the needs of others above their own. May you and I strive to be true champions then; because in the end, only what we do for Christ will matter. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us how important it is to use our talents to serve You. Help us to love like You love Lord that we would seek ways to bring people to the foot of the Cross by using all the resources You have blessed us with. To You be all the glory Lord. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

I’m Christ alone - Brian Littrell