“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1).
My youngest son David runs for the track and field team at his high school. My favorite race last year was a two-mile contest that David completed in 9:44, beating his previous best time by 39 seconds. This was a remarkable achievement. David did not realize immediately how well he had done.
Before the race David had chosen an opponent that he thought would challenge him to run well. His plan was to stay close to this runner. David learned later that this runner was told by his coach to stay close to a different runner, an experienced senior and one of the better runners in the state. So around the track they went, eight laps, with the senior leading the way. The two younger runners followed his lead all the way to the finish line, with both of them completing the race much faster than they thought possible.
Later I thought this race was an excellent illustration of what Paul was saying to the church in Corinth, when he urged them to follow his example. As we strive to live our lives in obedience and service to Jesus Christ, we inevitably encounter difficulties. Sometimes we feel unable to do what he has called us to do. Then we need brothers and sisters in Christ who can encourage us, set an example for us, and help us to “run well.”
David’s team keeps a record of the top 30 times in each event, for each grade level. This race put David at 4th on the list for sophomores, though he was not in the top 30 previously. David was able to do his very best because he surrounded himself with the right company – people that would bring out the best in him. We should surround ourselves with good Christian brothers and sisters, too, who are able to bring out the best in us, and challenge us to imitate Christ at all times. We should also strive to be that good brother or sister for others, able to bring out their best, and prepared to say boldly, “follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.”
The table above summarizes our financial results for June. As a result of many faithful and generous donors, and a few additional larger donations, we were able to pay full target allowances to all of our missionaries in June. We finished the month with a balance of $15,630 in the General Support Fund which will be applied to missionary allowances next month. Thank you for your partnership in this ministry!