Running the Race (Part 3)

Bible Reading: Matthew 25:14-15, 19-23

The contestants in the city race were off and running. As Mom and Maria ran, Dad, Carlos, and Samuel waited for them at the finish line. They cheered for Maria when she crossed the line—and later for Mom too. When award ribbons were given out, both Maria and her mother received one.

On the way home, Samuel had a question. “Mommy, why did you get a red ribbon?”

Carlos answered for her. “Mom won second place,” he said. “Maria got a first-place ribbon, and Mom got a second-place one.”

“Nuh-uh,” said Samuel. “Mommy wasn’t the second. There were lots of other people way ’head of her. And Maria wasn’t first either.”

“You’re right,” said Carlos. “Actually, Maria was the fifth person to cross the finish line, and Mom was the twenty-ninth. But even though they were all racing together, they weren’t racing against each other. They were only racing against the people their own age.”

“That’s right. I got my red ribbon because I was the second woman in my age group to cross the line,” Mom explained. “And Maria got her blue ribbon because she was the first person to finish in her age group.”

“That makes it fair,” said Carlos. “It wouldn’t be fair for an older person—I mean someone way older than Mom, of course—to have to race against a young person like Maria.”

Dad chuckled. “You know what? That’s something we should keep in mind as we run the race of life too. Sometimes we get discouraged when we see others who are able to do things we can’t do as well, and we might feel like God is more pleased with them than He is with us. But Jesus is always pleased with us! He loves us so much He died for us, and He helps us use our talents and abilities to serve Him. He’ll help us do our best with what He’s given us.”

“It feels good to know we’ve done our best, doesn’t it, Maria?” Mom asked. “Won’t it feel good to know we’ve done our best for the Lord too? It will be wonderful to hear Him say, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant,’ and receive the rewards He has for those who serve Him.” – Susan S. Arcand

How About You?

In your life-race as a Christian, do you often get discouraged? Does it seem like other people are doing more for God than you are? Jesus doesn’t compare you with other Christians. He loves you as you are and helps you use your talents to do the things He wants you to do. So don’t compare yourself to others—trust Him to help you do your best and to reward you for serving Him.

Today’s Key Verse:
Revelation 22:12 I (Jesus) am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.

Today’s Key Thought:

Jesus helps you do your best