As we continue looking at the character of God, humility comes to mind. Humility isn’t something we are born with; it is something we need to practice. One of the most difficult things to do in our lives is to yield to someone else’s requests. Greetings, in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
How easy is it to let someone pass you on the track? Even when your car isn’t performing the way it should it is difficult to be passed by. It is hard to face the fact that we are not the best car out there. We want to be first, we want to be the one everyone follows.
In racing, the objective is to finish first. Everything we do is focused on winning; getting to the finish line first. We practice and fine tune with one hope in mind, that when the checkered flag flies we will be first. Sometimes we want to be first at all costs. We will push and shove our way to the front. Nothing will stand in the way of getting to the front first.
That thought process causes problems, not only for us but for others. Think about all the people that we have pushed out of the way to get to the front. How about the people we have run over? How many people have we ignored because we are focused on what we want?
Have you ever noticed when you are out on the highway and you go to pass someone they speed up so that it is harder to pass them. I see it more and more each day when I am driving down the street, someone is at a side street waiting to pull out and then it happens; they pull right out in front of you. They drive a couple hundred yards and turn. Why couldn’t they wait? Why was it necessary to risk an accident for a few seconds gained?
We have a desire in life to be first. We think we deserve to be in front of everyone else. We have developed into a society that wants to be served. Waiting is for someone else.
Think about what goes through your mind when you come up on a delay? We start to analyze a way to get around it without waiting. We start looking for shortcuts. We do not want to be inconvenienced or delayed. Is that really what we should be thinking?
Jesus had some thoughts on being first:
Mark 9:33-35, They came to Capernaum. When he, (Jesus), was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?” But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest.
Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.”
I suggest we might take a moment and notice what is going on around us. We should take a look around; look at what’s going on, look at the people involved and maybe we can reach out and help someone. We should take some time and put ourselves in someone else’s shoes. When we put others first we start to understand the way Jesus looked at things. Philippians 2: 5-8 tells us this;
Philippians 2: 5-8; Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death– even death on a cross!
WOW! What a high standard for us. Can we even come close? Jesus did not ask us to do anything He wasn’t willing to do himself. He laid down His life for us. With that in mind it makes my impatience seem rather selfish. How come it is so difficult to wait for someone or take time out of our agenda to consider others and the challenges they face. Often times we have missed the opportunity to show the love that God has for them.
God knows the battles that go on inside our hearts. He knows the struggle we have between doing what is right and doing what we want. We all struggle with them.
The blessing comes when we get beyond that; when we fall at the foot of the throne of God and give Him control over our lives. We are blessed when we submit to His authority. Do you remember this verse we studied in the past?
Matthew 5:3; “God blesses those who realize their need for Him, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Faith is demonstrated when we take ourselves off the throne and put God there. To do this requires that we bow before Him, humble ourselves and submit to His authority. We demonstrate our faith in Him by serving others. When we can look outside ourselves to the needs of others and do something about it we start to demonstrate the humility that shows our faith.
James 4:10; “Humble yourself before the Lord and He will lift you up.”
When we demonstrate our faith in God He lifts us up above our worries and cares. God lifts us up and our lives are full, satisfying and complete. We receive a crown that won’t fade or tarnish. We are at peace, a peace that passes all understanding.
These verses contain one of the most important things we need to learn and live as Christians. They teach us the very nature of Jesus, humility and servanthood. Take some time this week and look around, instead of trying to accomplish your agenda slow down and reach out to those in need. Show the love of God to those you meet. Amen.
GOD’S PROVISION- We have several opportunities to touch the lives of the racing community and it is all because of God’s provision. Thank you for your continued support, both in prayer and financially. We can only do these things as God leads others to provide for us.
Please consider how you might partner with us. Remember that the lives we touch will never be the same again, for they have seen the love of Christ. The best way to sum it up is an email we received from a member of the racing community;
It was great meeting you at the track. I am a big fan of the work you do. As I said, I think your ministry might be one of the toughest out there…but you ARE making a difference. Keep up the good work! If you are ever in Ohio in the Summer, come by Limaland Motorsports Park and say hi!
Until next time, remember God loves you and Jesus is Lord over Auto Racing! God Bless. Remember, that your prayerful support helps us continue this ministry. Thank You.