December 21, 2016 - The race was long and it was a hot day. Meghan Vogel a high school track athlete was having a difficult time finishing the 3200 meter run. She had competed in and won the 1600 meter race just a little while earlier, but had to quickly recover and start the 3200 meter race.
As her strength started to fade, she fell further back in the pack. With only one lap to go she was no longer trying to win but just finish the race.
There was one girl ahead of her from a rival school. About 20 meters from the finish line the young lady in front of her, Arden McMath collapsed to the ground. Everyone watching knew that this was Meghans chance to move ahead in the race. What happened next took everyone by surprise.
As Meghan approached Arden, she did what the crowd would have never suspected. She stopped, bent down, picked Arden up, and helped her across the finish line.
The crowd began cheering as the two young ladies crossed the finish line together. She gave up a chance to win the "foot" race, but succeeded in winning the "human" race. When asked why she did it, Meghan's response was she didn't even think about it. "It was what anybody would do."
We know some times in life its hard to show that kind of sacrificial love for someone that we don't even know. But as Christians we are called to love in that way.
For us to live lives filled with joy, peace, and love we need to look to the bible on how Jesus told us to love, and lived out that love. First, He told us to love unconditionally. That means we are to love others as they are. We may not agree with them or what they are doing, but we are to love them and pray for them that God will do a work in them and through them. To pray that He will make them what He wants them to be not what we want. Jesus demonstrated that kind of love for us in that "while we were yet sinners Christ died for us." (Rom. 5:8)
Second we are to love sacrificially. We should not only tell others of Gods love but show them by our actions toward them. Giving of yourself to others for their good is the greatest demonstration of love. What Meghan showed that day on the track was disregard for personal gain to help another who was struggling and had fallen. "God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him." (John 3: 17-18) Rather than taking advantage of others when they are down we should show that we are willing to reach out to them in their time of need and help them up.
Third we are to love others personally. The only Jesus some people will ever see is the Jesus that lives in you. There are a lot of "Christians" out there who are just plain mean. John speaks to that issue in 1 John 4:20-21. "If someone says, "I love God", and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he he love God who he has not seen? And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also." We can't be hate filled people and still claim to be children of a loving, caring God. We are called to love them without regard for their past mistakes and shortcomings. We love them the way we want to be loved.
You are very special to God. He loves you and wants you to reflect that love to all you come in contact with. We must show love for each other if we are to to be all that God has called us to be. No matter your position in this life you can always extend a hand of love to someone who has fallen down. Let Gods love shine through you and you will see your life as well as those around you change. Remember, love is the most precious gift you can give this season. Give unconditionally, sacrificially, and personally and you will be blessed.
I'm Just sayin,
Mike Belgard
Video on ABC News of Race: High School Runner Carries Opponent Across Finish Line
