Creator, Father, King #312

Never get tired of doing good.

ONE OF THE GREATEST moments in Olympic history involved two female runners who didn’t come close to winning the race.

During a qualifying heat for the 5,000-meter finals at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, New Zealand’s Nikki Hamblin fell down, causing American Abbey D’Agostino to spill over her. The two runners’ chance at Olympic glory was instantly in peril. For any chance to reach the finals, they needed to immediately get up and keep running.

But Hamblin was visibly shaken and remained prostrate on the track. Rather than speed off, D’Agostino paused to help Hamblin back onto her feet. Later in the race, D’Agostino crumbled to the track in pain, and Hamblin returned the favor, helping her up so she could finish the race. (Medical tests later revealed that D’Agostino had injured knee ligaments during the fall.)

Both runners finished the race, albeit way behind the pack. But their selflessness will be remembered far more than the competitive results of a qualifying heat.

D’Agostino and Hamblin displayed great kindness in a long race. As Christians, we are called to constantly show this attitude throughout our lives.

What’s It Mean?

“Never get tired of doing good.”

It sounds so simple and so inspirational. But in reality, we often do get tired of doing good. We are sinners who are prone to become selfish, shortsighted, and weary. That’s why the apostle Paul gave us this important, divinely inspired reminder.

As the axiom goes, life is a marathon, not a sprint. You will experience highs, lows, and a lot of tedium. Throughout it all, you should always be prepared to do good and show the love of Christ to others.

That’s because Christians are God’s representatives on earth. Our lives are not our own. We are not here to please ourselves, but to lay down our lives for others. Remember Jesus’ sublime example: “The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). All this requires much prayer.

You might not ever receive thanks for some of the good things you do. That’s okay. You’re ultimately working for the Lord, not humans, and your reward will be great in heaven (Colossians 3:23-24)!

Now What?

For inspiration on today’s subject, read at least one biography on a historic Christian leader or missionary. Here are some suggestions: John Calvin, Amy Carmichael, Jonathan Edwards, Jim and Elisabeth Elliot, David Livingstone, Martin Luther, Charles Spurgeon, and Hudson Taylor.

Did You Know?

Paul elaborates on today’s verse in Galatians 6:9-10.