Our Scripture Study
9 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: 10 If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. – Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Yesterday morning I went for a run with my son Alex. There were many factors that made the run difficult. We got up early to avoid the sun beating down on us while we ran so not being quite awake and running is a challenge. We were trying to set our pace a little faster than we have run in the past. Also, it was still really hot even though it was early because we are having a heat wave this week.
I am not sure it was as much as a challenge for Alex, given the fact that he is 19 and I am, well, let’s just say older. For the first three miles, Alex was gracious enough to stick with me and help me keep the pace that we set. He easily gets ahead of me, but it helps me to have him slightly in front of me where I focus on keeping up with him instead of the pace that I am running. It is a distraction from the effort it takes to keep up the pace. He is also good at cheering me on. When he senses that I am slowing down, he looks back and says, “you can do it, keep going.” With his help I was able to keep up the goal pace for the first three miles.
The second three miles was a different story. Our goal for the day was to do a 10K or 6.2 miles. He wanted to push himself a little so he started going fast, which was a pace that I could not keep up with.
On my own I was able to do mile four at the pace I wanted to keep, but then mile five I struggled. I finished that mile 45 seconds slower than the pace I was trying to keep. I was able to pick it up for the last mile knowing that the finish line was close. Overall, I did well, finishing 20 seconds over my goal time. A little disappointing but Alex’s encouragement at the end put it in good perspective. He said, “Something to work for next time”.
This is a great picture of the Christian life. When you have someone alongside you, it helps keep you focused and on track. They can challenge you to help you grow, they can encourage you when you fall behind, and things are just better when you have someone to share the load. The good times are more exciting, and the bad times don’t seem as bad.
When you try to go it alone, anything that is difficult will take over in your mind and keep you from enjoying the things that go well. Your focus is completely different when you are alone, as opposed to when someone is walking with you.
God never meant the Christian life for lone rangers. Even Paul had Barnabas.
Have a great day in Christ
Matt
