Confessions of a Crooked Runner

Philippians 3:7-14 (NIV)

7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in[a] Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. 10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.

12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Track and field day was always a highlight of the school year when I was in elementary school. We’d line up for all the exciting activities and test our athletic skills against the other students. I’ve never been particularly gifted in sports, but I’ve always tried to make up for it in enthusiasm. 

Grade 3 was my most memorable year. I lined up for the race across our large field, eager to do my best. To my surprise, I actually pulled ahead of a few classmates! In my excitement, I started looking around at my opponents, comparing my speed to theirs. In doing so, I lost sight of the end goal and started running diagonally. I don’t remember if I won any ribbons that year (I doubt it), I just remember my teacher chuckling at my crooked path.

Had I kept my eyes ahead, I may have had a shot at winning the prize. Comparison knocked me off course.

Do you ever compare yourself to others? I wish I could say that track and field day in grade 3 was the only time comparison got the best of me, but I’d be lying.

In the age of social media, there are opportunities to compare ourselves to each other every time we pick up our phones. We see everyone’s highlight reels, then look up to be confronted with our behind-the-scenes mess.

It’s enough to derail anyone. We lose sight of the unique path God laid out for us, one that leads to Him. We start chasing other things—career wins, a picture-perfect home, flawless bodies, well-behaved kids, or even a reputation for being “spiritual.” None of those things are bad, but if we’re not careful, they can take the place of what matters most.

God has something better. Something lasting. My prayer is that we don’t get caught in the comparison trap, but instead keep our eyes on the real prize: knowing Jesus and being known by Him.

Reflection: When am I most tempted to compare myself to others? How is God calling me to something better?

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LYRICS

Stay in My Lane

Lyrics by Chelsea Amber, Jaylene Johnson

Music by Chelsea Amber, Jaylene Johnson, Nate Savage

Verse 1:

No cookie cutters

No fittin’ in a mold

No paint-by-numbers

Yeah comparison is old

Got my own kinda drummer

And I’m walking to the beat

I'm doing my own thing

Don’t need to compete

Chorus:

I'mma stay in my lane

I run my own race

The way I was made

Go forward, forward

I'mma stay in my lane

The path that’s been laid

I won’t turn away

Move forward, forward

Tag 1:

I'mma stay in my lane

I'mma runnin’ my race

I'mma stay in my lane

Move forward, forward

Verse 2:

Some people watchin’

Watch everything I do

I hear them talkin’

Like they’re judgin’ every move

I hope when you see me

I’m cheering for you too

Gotta lift each other

There’s room for me and you

Chorus

Tag 1

Bridge:

Forgetting what I’ve left behind

Won’t look to the left or right

Keep my eyes on the final prize

Press on, press on

(x4)

Chorus

Tag 2:

I'mma stay in my lane

I'mma runnin’ my race

I'mma stay in my lane

Move forward, forward

I'mma stay in my lane

I'mma runnin’ my race

I'mma stay in my lane

You gotta press on, press on