The Exit Strategy off the Crazy Train of Comparison (Part 2 of 4)

Every June my family participates in Betty’s Run for ALS in memory of my dad. In this competition there is only one winner. One has the gold medal adoring their neck while the rest of us gobble up the consolation/participation prizes of hot dogs and mini donuts.

Is spiritual life like this— are we all running the same race, competing for the same prize? Riding on the crazy train of comparison sure makes us feel like we are. But last week I challenged you to ask a question we should always ask, “Is it true?” (You can read about it here.) 

Is there one race with one prize?

If it is, comparison makes sense. Of course we would want to seize up the competition so we know how we measure up. I suppose there would then be no way off the crazy train because no matter how faithful, humble, authentic, youthful, hospitable, encouraging, studious, creative, energetic, successful, spontaneous, positive, quiet, empathetic, fit, wise, holy, clean cut or healthy we become, someone will always be better.

But if it’s not, and the stakes are different when it comes to spiritual life, perhaps there is a small gate and a narrow road that leads to life not choked by comparison.

Comparison is rooted in a counterfeit competition. One that there is actually no prize for. Think about it for a minute— what’s the prize for being the best? Whether it’s the best mom, the most spiritual, the fittest, or the cleanest?  There isn’t one.

So what is our exit strategy when we find ourselves in a counterfeit competition with a non-existent prize? How do we find our way off the crazy train? 

We begin with a change of belief— 

God has given me a unique calling.

This is the truth we trade for the lie of the counterfeit competition and the non-existent prize. 

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run [their very best to win], but only one receives the prize? Run [your race] in such a way that you may seize the prize and make it yours! (1 Corinthians 9:24, AMP)

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." (Hebrews 12:1-3, NIV)

Paul invites us to run in such a way to win the prize, but doesn’t say that there is only one prize. Scripture also instructs us to "run the race marked out for us." What if you were the only one running the race marked out for you?  Would knowing that no one else is competing for your crown, change the way you run? Would it make the feeling of measuring up non-essential because there is no other competitor to measure up to? 

The race set before you, is just that — your race. You're the only one running your race. You’re the only one who has the race set before you or in other words, the unique calling you can fulfill. It’s not even possible for someone else to be better at your race than you because it’s just that, your race.

But so often, instead of living out of this truth, fixing our eyes on Jesus, and running the race set before us, we look to the runner beside, in front or behind us and we compare, compete and criticize. We speed up, slow down, or cut into their lane, all because we've been fooled into thinking we’re running in the same race— the counterfeit competition and there's only one prize.

An earthly mindset tells us only one can win. But the truth is, if any other brother or sister in Christ is faithfully running their race, we all win. Anytime anyone who loves and follows hard after Jesus is running their race, helping others to do the same, God's kingdom is advancing. We win because the kingdom wins.

We are many runners, running our races, set before us, all with one goal — to love God and love others. We seek to know God and make Him known, but not for one prize. You are free to run with others, championing their obedience without comparing it to yours, and cheering them on because they aren't competing for your prize; only you are.

This week, when you find yourself getting pulled onto the crazy train of comparison this week— say these words aloud that will help you remember that you have been given a unique calling: 

I’m the only runner in my race. 

Pray this with me: Father, you created me and you are the ultimate creative. Forgive me for running in the counterfeit competition. Increase my faith so I deeply believe you have given me a unique calling and that I’m the only runner in my race. Keep my eyes fixed on you so I can run the race set before me in such a way to win the prize. Give me faith to believe you. 

Next week, we’ll look at why it matters that we believe this unique calling has been given by an abundantly creative God.