The Good Rule: Just do your personal best.

As an older runner, I’ve enjoyed the mantra “do your best” or in other words, “don’t compare yourself to other runners.” My training time may be more limited than others so this goal has been very motivating. Each race, if I can get to the start line healthy and uninjured and be sufficiently worn out upon crossing the finishing line, I’m quite happy no matter where I place. As long as I know I put the training and my abilities to the best use, it’s all good. Most of the time, for me, “doing your best” is an awesome rule.

But sometimes it’s a good one to break. Namely at the end of a race. Many times, as I near the finish line, other racers will pass me like I’m standing still. I’ve been ok with this because I’m not racing them, I’m racing myself and I let them go. If they have that much energy at the finish, I tell myself they didn’t run a good race and should have been ahead of me the whole time anyway. I also consider racing them, but if they still beat me, I’m afraid it will taint my “personal best” race. But the fact remains that they did beat me. At the last second.

Recently, though, I did a 1 mile road race for fun. The short venue allowed the elite runners to have their own race while us mortals ran without them in the Open Event. We took off and there were quite a few runners out in front so I couldn’t tell what place I was. Near the end, with about 300 meters to go, here comes the gal who is trying to pass me at the finish. But it’s ok because I’m exhausted, I’m wheezing and completely spent. This is my very best and if she’s been tracking me the whole race, she can have it. But then I look at the finish line and see Jim Ryun (yep!) holding up one end of the ribbon for the Open Female Champion to run through. What? Amazingly, we were going to be the first two women to finish. Knowing the opportunity to run through a first place ribbon (or banner or whatever it’s called) may never happen again, I sped up and fought for it. And I got it.

Isaiah 41:10 (ESV)
fear not, for I am with you;
be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

In Isaiah, God says “Fear not for I am with you.” He’ll be with you win or lose. Fear will only keep you from knowing what is best. Even if after speeding up and fighting for the win, had the other gal had won, I’d have still learned that there was much more than “my best” left for the end of the race. God knows what is even better than our best. It’s His best. If others try to pass you like a steam roller at the end of the race, don’t fear, take them up on it!

Also, like in a race, we should challenge each other to do our very best for God’s purpose. Romans, 12:10 says, “Outdo one another in showing honor.” I don’t think this means we are in competition with each other to see who can teach the best Sunday School class or bake the most cookies for Vacation Bible School. I think it means to try honoring each other more than they honor us. Even when life becomes ugly, God’s love is stronger and easier than our pain. When challenged by others to serve the Lord, whether by their sweet spirit or not-so-sweet spirit, God can show His very best through us. Like the fight at the end of a close race, it can be a struggle to show love and patience when we’re exhausted. But that effort is not in vain and can make all the difference.

Romans 12:10-13 (ESV)
Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.