Mentoring - A Race of Endurance

In August, we watched the Olympics.  We watched some of the world's greatest athletes compete to win gold medals and beat world records.  How exhilarating it was to see Michael Phelps win the gold by a 100th of a second, and Usain Bolt of Jamaica run so fast that his competitors didn't seem to stand a chance!

The competition got me thinking about the race we're participating in.  No, there is no gold medal at the end, and there is no world record to beat.  In this race, there is seldom fame and product endorsements that will ultimately pay out big. 

Paul talks about this race in 1 Corinthians 9:25-27: "Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.  No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize."

I believe as Christians we are all called to participate in "the games".  For some, it means being an influential business person.  For others, it means formal ministry training and pastoring a church.  Some go to a mission field on the other side of the world, while others go to a mission field on their doorstep.  For me, my "game" is mentoring young children in my neighborhood.

Ah, mentoring.  If it were an Olympic event, it would not be televised during prime time!  You see, it is rarely an event filled with excitement and the anticipation of a finish line in view.  This is not the 100m dash!  More comparable to a marathon, mentoring takes a slow and steady pace.  Often it feels like the prize is out of reach.  It is a race of perseverance and endurance.

When I look at Jesus' ministry, much of the gospels highlight the excitement of miracle healings and feeding the multitudes.  And, yet, Jesus chose 12 people to live out his life and pour into them what they would need to reach the nations after his departure.

So whether your game is a "prime time event" or something the world might view as insignificant, do not underestimate what is being accomplished through you by the power of Jesus Christ.  And run to win!