“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3-4 ESV
In a timely story titled “Some Runners Are Filming Every Mile of Their Race. That’s Not Just Annoying—It’s Dangerous” published by Runner’s World yesterday, the writer shared a frustration many other runners share… the number of runners hyperfocused on shooting their own content during increasingly crowded races. The writer then went on to explain why: If you’re actively filming yourself—arm outstretched and angled down, narrating your mile splits like a sweaty David Attenborough—I’m going to politely ask you to put your phone down before you take out another runner. Courses are hosting record-breaking numbers of runners: 55,000 spots are available for this summer’s Peachtree 10K; nearly 28,500 runners finished last weekend’s Brooklyn Half Marathon; and the 2025 London Marathon saw a record-breaking 56,640 finishers. These events are designed to be a collective experience, one that celebrates community alongside individual grit. They’re not meant to be a backdrop for your personal vlog. When you’re filming yourself in the middle of a race, you’re shifting the focus from the shared to the solo. At best, it’s selfish and disruptive… At worst, it’s a safety issue.
As someone who’s encountered this type of behavior at races myself, I would definitely agree with the writer that this conduct is both an issue of selfishness and safety. Which is the very reason, as followers of Jesus Christ, we should always strive to do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but consider others more important than ourselves. You see, when a believer allows themselves to be puffed up, their pride leads them to do whatever it takes to promote themselves—allowing selflessness to be overcome by selfishness, which always harms others and destroys our witness for Christ.
So, wherever you might be, lift up the Lord rather than yourself my friend. If we are to reach a lost world, we must model the humility and the selflessness that Jesus showed when he died for the sins of all at Calvary.
Heavenly Father, thank you for reminding us that at all times, and in all places, we must seek to show the love of Jesus rather than the love of self the world promotes. Help us to put You above all Lord that we might reach a world in desperate need of salvation. Help us to be so set apart that we would not act or talk like the world in any way, shape, or form. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!
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