PACE for the Race

Life has been described in many ways and by many people. You may have heard people saying they have had a “hard” life or an “easy” life. Christ tells us of having eternal life in heaven, and the abundant life while here on earth. Any and all of those could be used for a good sermon illustration. In fact, that is probably one of the hardest things about creating a sermon. There is so much “good news” to tell, that it is sometimes hard to decide what portion to use. It’s all so good, it’s all so beneficial, it’s all so potentially transforming and life-changing.

The life description I want to use today is the one we refer to as “The Race of Life”. When we first hear that, we may be tempted to think of fast speed - an accelerated motion, as if in racing around.

Scripture makes many references and comparisons of our lives being as a type of race. Hebrews 12:1 tells us to run the race with perseverance that has been marked out for us. This implies that in the same way we are each given individual talents and gifts, that God also has a very definite plan and path that He wants us to follow in order to fulfill His purpose. Many people spend years wandering around and trying to figure out what their purpose - “their race” in life is. Others may feel pressure to be in a race that is not suited for them, but that other people are wanting them to do. Still others may get tired and discouraged and decide to drop out.

Ecclesiastes 9:11 reminds us that this “race” is not to the swift. Remember the story of The Tortoise and the Hare? Faster is not always better. Don’t hurry through or wish parts of your life away. This is the only life you have here on earth, so take your time and enjoy every season of it. Make the most of every gift, talent, and opportunity you have been given. Because dear friends, the house, the kids, the spouse, the job, the problems, the successes—these are the very ingredients of your life. The things of today is what you have to work with. This is not a dress rehearsal or practice session for some future event that may never even come.

2 Timothy 4:7 is often used at funerals; “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have kept the faith.” So, run your race. Don’t hurry through it and don’t give up—finish the race. The race of life. Your race of life.

Matthew 28:19 is referred to as “The Great Commission.” There, Jesus tells his apostles to “Go, and make disciples of all nations, baptize them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; and teach them to obey everything I have commanded you.” Can’t you almost hear the apostles saying, “Lord, ALL of the nations? EVERYTHING you have taught us?” How would we ever be able to do that, and how would people know?

Their answer is provided in John 13:34-35. Jesus tells them, “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By doing this, all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” You see, Jesus’ answers are usually very simple and very do-able; yet they are not always easy to do or desirable for us.

In fact, we might be tempted to say, “But it was so different back then—a different time, different place, different people. That may have been okay for the apostles, but how could we ever be expected to do that?”

My friends in Christ, be assured that the Living Word of God is eternal. It is the same today as it was yesterday and as it will be tomorrow.

For our race or walk of life, we need to pick up the PACE.

“P” is for Participate.

James 1:22 tells us to not merely listen to the Word, but to do what it says. The Christian life is not a spectator sport. We are not simply to come to church and just sit in the stands or the pews so that we can “hear a good message.” Instead, we are called to take what we hear and what we learn outside of the walls of the church building and into the world. Find a way to use it for the good of the kingdom.

God created us as relational beings. He wanted us to have a vibrant, growing, and meaningful relationship with Him and with each other. We are to take an active part in our own, as well as each others spiritual growth and lives. This is especially true when we are dealing with unbelievers and the unchurched. They are watching us so-called Christians closely, closer than you think, to see what we do, what we say, how we act. Do you realize that you and I may be the only “Bible” someone “reads”? What message of faith are you and I portraying with our words and actions? James 2:18 says that we show our faith by what we do. We need to get involved in each others’ lives, pray for each other, cheer each other on, be an encourager for one another. Be there during the various seasons of life. The good times and the not so good times. All the seasons of each others’ lives.

“A” is for Anticipate.

This subject is addressed several times in the book of James. It is very simple. If you see your brother or sister in need, help them fulfill that need. Especially in the most practical of terms such as food and clothing. This is many times accomplished by a group effort such as a food bank or clothing outlet. James 1:27 carries this further by saying “care for the orphans and widows”. It also includes many other people and needs that may arise from various situations, like divorce and single parenting. Taking a meal to a homebound or recently hospitalized person. Offering to feed someone’s pet and get their mail while gone on a trip. Helping a single parent with the kids, whether it is an afternoon outing or help with homework. This past summer, I learned how to use a weed-eater and edger for the first time. Not because I didn’t have the knowledge or skill level, but because I never had the need before— He always did the yard work. Same can be true of others who have never balanced a checkbook, or done the grocery shopping, paid bills, or whatever else. Look at the situation, anticipate the need, then try to find a way to meet that need. The ways in which we can offer practical help are endless.

“C” is for Communicate.

Communication is much more than words, but words are a good place to start. John 1:1 tells us, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. To get to know someone, you first must be introduced to them. Then you need to spend time with them in order to get to know them better. If the relationship grows and deepens, wonderful discoveries can be made. The same is true of our relationship with God and with each other. Colossians 3:16-17 tells us to let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach, admonish, sing hymns and praises; and that whatever you do in word or in deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus with much gratitude and thanksgiving. What a powerful message we could offer without saying a word. Remember the Bible people are reading by watching us? Romans 1:12 says we, too, can be mutually encouraged by one another’s faith.

How we communicate with our words can be very powerful, too. Our words can be either helpful or hurtful, especially depending upon how and when they are used. Proverbs says they can even bring life and death. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 tells us we should use our words to encourage one another, to build each other up (not to tear down). In 1 Corinthians 13, the famous “love” chapter, it tells us that even if we have great amounts of knowledge, that it isn’t much of anything at all without having love. There is a saying that confirms that truth. “People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.”

If your relationship with God and with each other has reached this level, then we can communicate as James 5:16 instructs us: “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” There is a big difference in giving a prayer request and in giving a confession.

“E” is for Emulate.

1 Timothy 4:11-12 says, “Command and teach these things. . . Set an example (be a good role model) for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity.” 2 Peter 1: 5-8 says to make every effort to add to your faith goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love in increasing measure. So, no matter how long you’ve been on this spiritual journey, there is room to grow in your spiritual development. This is what John Wesley meant when he talked about going (and growing) from glory to glory.

1 Thessalonians 1:7 states, “You became a model to all the believers. . .The Lord’s message rang out from you. . .Your faith in God has become known everywhere.” Wouldn’t you just love it if that’s what people said about you?

Jesus is our ultimate role model to emulate, and he simply tells us “Follow me.” Do what I do.

So as you walk with the Lord, remember to PACE yourself.

Say it with me: P is for Participate,

A is for Anticipate,

C is for Communicate,

E is for Emulate.

Finally, these words are not just something Jesus said just to His disciples of long ago. For these are exactly the same “marching orders” if you will, for us today. This is the race that has been set before each one of us. Go into all your worlds—your homes, your workplace, your friends’ homes, the grocery store, the ball park; wherever you happen to be. Make disciples and teach them my ways. Love God and one another as I have loved you. Teach by my example.

Pick up the PACE, keep the PACE and set the PACE for others to follow. PACE for the Race— Your race in life. God bless you.