FEBRUARY 21, Philippians 2:16 

Aaron stood in place on the race track, alert and ready to spring into action for his lap of the relay race. When the baton was passed to him, the two teams were almost dead even. Sprinting along the track at full speed and pushing himself to his limit, Aaron streaked ahead of his opponent. They were a full metre apart by the end of his run. The opposing team who had been unbeaten for four years did not manage to catch up, and Aaron’s team won. Aaron was so excited!

A few weeks later, Aaron and his mother returned home from his grandfather’s funeral feeling very sad. “I’m sure going to miss Grandpa,” said Aaron, tears filling his eyes. “He was the best grandfather a guy could have. I guess he was extra special to me because Dad died when I was very young, so Grandpa was both a grandfather and a father to me.”

“Yes,” agreed Mother as Aaron picked up a picture of his grandfather and gazed at it. “Grandpa witnessed for Christ everywhere he went, and he always gave a lot of his time to help other Christians.” Aaron nodded. “A lot of people will miss him,” he said with a sigh. Mother smiled. “You see, the Bible says that living the Christian life is like running a race.” explained Mother. “ The Christians who have died and gone to heaven ran in their appointed time and place in life – some running well, and some not so well. But your Grandpa did run well.”

“Grandpa sure ran well,” said Aaron. “I think he was one of the best runners in life.” He paused, then asked, “Am I also running the Christian race?“”Yes,” replied Mother. “Grandpa has run his race. In word and deed, he has set a good example for you to follow.”

Thought: Do you know that as a Christian, you are a runner in life’s race? Many “heroes of the faith” have run ahead of you and have gone to receive their reward.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for today’s lesson that I must run the race – that my Christian life is a race in itself. Help me to be a disciplined runner, to be alert, and to be a good example to others. This is my prayer in Jesus’ name, Amen.