Target running

 

Malachi 3:13-18

As much as I didn't like it, I tried running. I even looked up strategies to build running stamina and endurance. One idea, though, I really tried. I'll call it target running. Finding some point of reference, a target in the distance to keep my eyes on.  In running, that point is a guide keeping us on track.  In faith, that point is Jesus. He is our aim. Hebrews uses a running reference, and guess what its encouragement is. "And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith" (Hebrews 12:2). Fixing our eyes on Jesus, target running, has always been the answer. Unfortunately, we tend to fix our eyes elsewhere. Often on other people. Yes, we can learn from others. Someone else's victory, strength and good ways can motivate us to do better. But, as it is often said, comparison is the thief of joy. Too often, comparing ourselves to other people keeps us from making the most of our lives and enjoying what we already have. Theirs is a target we cannot achieve. A perfect target that only shows how lowly we are, apparently. Social Comparison Theory, originating in the 1950s, helps unpack these ideas. But you can imagine how we've lived it out since the beginning of time. Even some stories in scripture demonstrate this danger of comparison. For example, exile did not fix Israel's heart. People still turned from God. Even after returning to Jerusalem, they grumbled. In God's eyes, according to the prophet Malachi, they spoke against God saying, "It is vain to serve God" (3:14). Why was it vain? Because, they said, the arrogant people are happy and evildoers prosper. God was no longer their target. They compared their life to that of others and it squashed their trust in who God was. But there were others who still trusted. Malachi said "those who revered the Lord spoke with one another" (3:16). What did they speak about? Probably a lot. I imagine, though, there was a lot of encouragement happening. A lot of target running together. Friend of God, keep that kind of talk going. Our target is Jesus, and we need each other's help to keep running toward him. Stay blessed...john