CHEATING OURSELVES
In the 2011 British Kielder Marathon, a man who finished third confessed to riding the bus for a portion of the 26.2-mile race. At the twenty-mile mark, Rob Sloan dropped out due to fatigue, and then hopped on a bus for the remainder of the race. Suspicions surfaced when witnesses reported Sloane hiding behind trees, and then rejoining the race behind the first-and-second place runners. Initially he denied the allegations, stating he was “upset and angry that someone wants to cast these aspersions.” But when officials launched an investigation, Sloan quickly confessed. (https://newsfeed.time.com/2011/10/12/marathon-runner-admits-to-taking-a-bus-to-the-finish-line/#)
Nobody likes a cheater. Even cheaters don’t like cheaters, especially those who cheat better than they do. But for those who train and sacrifice to compete fairly, cheating is especially reprehensible. Hopefully, incidents of cheating will be minimal in the upcoming Paris Olympics.
Paul wrote, “athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules.” (2 Timothy 2:5, NLT). God gives us rules because he loves us. The Bible isn’t a rule book, but its rules are essential for our survival. After seventy-one years, I’ve learned that life goes so much better when we do what God tells us to do. When we don’t, life provides us with painful consequences. God’s rules furnish freedom, joy, and peace.
Our story also contains a deeper message. By not following the rules, the cheater cheated himself out of enjoying the experience of the race. Even if he failed to finish, Rob Sloan missed the point: there is joy in the journey.
In our race through life, it’s easy to get so caught up in accomplishing tasks that we miss the miracle of each moment. One of my biggest struggles is addiction to performance and productivity. Many of us probably get a rush out of completing tasks; crossing one more item off our to-do list. God desires to bless us with joy in each moment. Solomon states, “Seize life! Eat bread with gusto, drink wine with a robust heart. Oh yes—God takes pleasure in your pleasure! … Each day is God’s gift… Make the most of each one!” (Ecclesiastes 9.7-9, MSG).
Even if we cross the finish line ahead of the competition, we’ve lost the race, if in the process, we sacrifice our peace of mind, relationships with others, and intimacy with God. We might as well finish dead last. Let’s not cheat ourselves out of the miracle of each moment.
Principle: Following God’s rules enables us to experience the joy of our journey.
Ponder:
When have you found that following God’s rules helps you experience the best in life?
On a scale of one to ten, how addicted are you to productivity? What can you do to set aside your tasks and experience a greater measure of God’s joy in the journey?
Pursue: For a deeper dive, study Ecclesiastes 9:7-12.
Prayer: Loving Father, you desire only what’s best for me. Help me realize your rules are designed to help me get the most out of life.
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My new book, The Perfect Gift, a Christmas devotional, published by Our Daily Bread is being released October 1.