I’m Running As Fast As I Can
It is only January 31st, and after good intentions and New Year's resolutions, I find myself going back to my default mode. Each day I seem to be running faster and faster. Now, if this were related to an exercise routine or weight loss goal, this would be a good thing. Sadly it's not that. It's about my schedule, pace, and the need for rest. It's that voice that says, "You are not doing enough. You are falling behind!"
Again, it's only January 31st, and as I got on the elevator heading to my office this morning, overwhelmed with a to-do list getting longer and longer, the voice in my head said, "Run faster!!!"
That voice always takes me back to one particular first-grade soccer game I attended years ago. The parent of one of my son's teammates was sitting in a nice, comfortable lawn chair on the sidelines. This particular boy was a great little athlete. Always giving it everything he had. He was, far and away, one of the best players on the field. Yet as the boy would run down the field, any time he got within twenty yards of his father, the dad would berate him at the top of his lungs, yelling, "Run faster!!!"
It wasn't just a one-time thing. Every time the boy passed, we were all treated to a disapproving father screaming at his son, "Run faster! Run faster!"
Finally, the son had enough. Fed up with the criticism of the one sitting comfortably in a chair, the next time the six-year-old ran by the sideline near his father, he threw out his arms in exasperation and yelled back, "I'm running as fast as I can!!!"
Mic drop. Dad didn't yell again.
I wonder how many times I have made the mistake of picturing God as the father on the sidelines of that soccer game. Before I knew Jesus, my image of God was of a father far removed from us in the stands of heaven, thoroughly dissatisfied with my efforts, imploring me to do better, try harder, and do more!
Even after beginning a relationship with Jesus, I can see where I often fall into the same trap. I picture myself out on the field of life, trying my best to serve Him, doing ministry, and living my life according to His will. And what voice do I think I hear from the stands of heaven? It's the disapproving voice of a father yelling, "Run faster!!!"
Or, more specifically, "Have more quiet times! Be good! Give more! Go to more Bible studies! Listen to more Christian podcasts! You're just not doing enough."
All the while, I am looking up to God, trying my best to do my Christian "song and dance," and I'm thinking, I'm running as fast as I can!
The only problem with this way of life is that the voice I am answering to is not the Lord's. It's a lie. God's voice is not the same as my earthly father's voice that I tried so hard to please with straight A's every semester or the disapproving dad in the lawn chair on the sidelines.
Want to know what He is really saying? Put away the lies for just a minute, stop looking to the imaginary sidelines, and listen to the voice of your real Father.
"For thus the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, has said, 'In repentance and rest you will be saved, in quietness and trust is your strength.'" (Isaiah 30:15)
"Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret." (Psalm 37:7, NIV 1984)
"Slow down. Take a deep breath. What's the hurry? Why wear yourself out? Just what are you after anyway?" (Jeremiah 2:25, MSG)
God's voice is the opposite of the voice on the sideline yelling, "Run faster!!!" And remember, He's never been content to be on the sidelines, so it's definitely not His voice if that is where you hear it from.
"The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." (Zephaniah 3:17, NIV 1984, emphasis added)
He's "God with you, Immanuel," not God disapprovingly sitting on the sidelines in a camping chair. The One who holds the oceans in the palm of His hand can't be confined to a lawn chair, my friends.
If it's not Him yelling, "Run faster!" then who is it? Don't forget, you have an enemy. An enemy who wants you to feel defeated and unworthy and desperately wants you to give up.
"Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:8, ESV)
"But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ." (2 Corinthians 11:3, NIV 1984)
When you hear the "Run faster!" voice, call it what it is. A lie. Deception from your enemy who is trying to lead you astray "from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ." It's just plain garbage.
What happens when that voice comes from other believers? Call it the same. Garbage.
Sometimes even those who claim to know Jesus will tell you that you're just not doing it right. I'll never forget the guest preacher I heard who proclaimed from the pulpit that you are a "horrible Christian" if you are not in a community group.
It's a given. Some people will always say you need to do more. Hoops will be put in front of the Gospel. Remember, when that happens, you're in good company. The religious leaders of the time never thought Jesus was doing it right either.
Stop playing the comparison game. And when your enemy or even a fellow believer lobs a "Run faster!" lie your way, instead of throwing out your arms in exasperation, just pass those lawn chairs by. Let the voice of your Creator be your compass.
"Be still, and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10, ESV)
The loudmouth critic in the lawn chair (whose yoke is anything but easy) doesn't get a vote.
Slow down. Take a breath. Quiet the voice. And if there is a lawn chair near, take a seat and find rest for your soul. Perhaps at halftime we'll all have Capri Suns and orange slices.
"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
Matthew 11:28–30
The Rule of Life Podcast - Sabbath
What if instead of adding more to your to-do list, you created a day in which you could stop doing at all? This podcast by John Mark Comer introduces and unpacks the concept of Sabbath and how to incorporate it into your weekly schedule.
"The Sabbath is a 24-hour hour time period set aside to stop, rest, delight, and worship. It is the best day of the week. In our era of chronic exhaustion, emotional unhealth, and spiritual stagnation, few things are more necessary than the recovery of this ancient practice."
- John Mark Comer
Listen to the first episode HERE.
