Avoid being Cut Off

“You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth?” Galatians 5:7 NIV

In an article titled, “Famed Beach to Beacon Ends in Clash Between Two Runners” published over the weekend, the following was reported: This past Saturday, the 25th annual Beach To Beacon 10K in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, ended in spectacular fashion when second-place finisher Conner Mantz called out Ethiopia’s Addisu Yihune at the finish line after he was pushed by Yihune and cut off with only about 650 feet to go. The second-place finish cost Mantz an additional $5,000 in winnings. Mantz, who placed 11th at the Boston Marathon earlier this year, attempted unsuccessfully to argue his case at the finish. He later called out Yihune on his Strava account of the race for what Mantz considered unsportsmanlike behavior.

And you know, when it comes to being “cut off” while running a good race, Paul told the Galatian Christians that they “were running a good race.” But then asked the question, “Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth?” In other words, “You were following Christ so closely and keeping in step with the Spirit. Then someone got in your way and you stumbled. Who was this person that so convincingly spread lies and distorted the truth that you believed them?” By doing this, Paul was setting them back on course, eyes wide open to the obstacle (the man or woman who caused them to fall) in their way so they could avoid them at all costs. 

So remember that the devil will try to deceive you and cut you off in a variety of ways my friend—using people that you would least expect to spread lies to keep you from knowing and obeying the truth. Knowing that, you must keep your eyes open by testing everything against the Word so you won’t be tripped up. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we can’t take our eyes of the course in front of us for even one second. Cause us to be discerning Christians who know the Truth so we won’t be cut off in the middle of our race. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!