Have you ever tried running in a three-legged race? I have, probably about 6-7 years ago. It’s not an easy feat to master, but with a little practice and a few well placed, practical tips it can be kind of fun.
The three-legged race is a lot like walking in agreement, or walking in harmony and unity with a brother or sister in Christ. So, the tips I share will have multiple applications.
Tip #1 Try and pair up with someone whose legs are about the same length as yours. It makes it much easier to walk when you can take the same size stride. If it’s not possible, then just remember, the person with the longer stride must yield to the shorter.
“We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves.” (Romans 15:1 ESV)
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2 ESV)
Tip #2 Tie the rope around the calf area of the leg. You don’t want it tied around the ankles, as you may be more prone to trip and fall. Plus, if you’re linked by the wider, more muscular part of the leg you have a better chance of holding your partner up if they begin to fall.
“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.” (Galatians 6:1
ESV).
“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15 – 5:16 ESV)
“submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.” (Ephesians 5:21 ESV)
Tip #3 Count cadence. “Inside, outside, inside, outside…”, will help you concentrate and stay in step. Yoked together makes it difficult to do, but speaking the same thing will help you win the race. As you become more comfortable with your partner, you will find your speed will improve, and the certainty within which you walk will cause the opponents to lose their focus.
“Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” (1 Corinthians 1:10 NKJV)
“Can two walk together, unless they are agreed.” (Amos 3:3 NKJV)
Tip #4 Don’t be so concerned with what your opponent is doing. Keep your eyes fixed on what you and your partner are doing. Looking away from your pathway can create an opportunity to stumble and fall. And, if you go down chances are good that you’ll make your partner fall as well.
“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2 NKJV)
“Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble.” (2 Peter 1:10 NKJV)
“If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears,
then you also will appear with Him in glory.” (Colossians 3:1-4 NKJV)
Tip #5 Don’t stop, keep pressing toward the goal! You can encourage each other, your partner and you, to keep going, the end is in sight. Your endurance relies heavily on how well you can encourage your partner. If they tire, it will slow you down. Encouragement will win the day for you. Keep it up! Don’t stop! And don’t look back!
“Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14 NKJV)
“Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11 NKJV)
“I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with long-suffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:1-3 NKJV)
Life is a race. A three-legged race, for sure! It’s not so much about speed, but it IS about everyone finishing; and finishing well. You and I are linked together. How you walk can affect how well I walk; and vice versa.
Make sure you don’t forsake getting with other believers; linking together to help each other do the right thing. One day the race will be finished. But until then…
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give
to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:7-8 NKJV)
“And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules.” (2 Timothy 2:5 NLT)
Have a great race. I’ll see you at the finish line!
Jan Grace 