CHAPLAIN’S CORNER

Starting Line to Checkered Flag… “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7

During Bike Week each year (FTR schedule permitting) I go to the Daytona 200 Road Race at the Daytona International Speedway. As many of you know, I am a motorcycle history nut and antique bike lover. I literally live on the old beach course. I have been attending the 200 since my junior year in high school (please don’t do the math…I feel old enough already!)

At the race this year a “situation” occurred. One of the private security personnel came across two pee wees riding their bikes in a field at the track. Dad was watching them and they were riding slowly. At their age, they are not allowed to ride on speedway property (similar to our pit rules).

Maybe the security guard had a bad experience earlier. Instead of politely asking the kids to stop, he yelled at them. The kids got scared, with one of them almost laying his bike down. The Dad stepped in and it got worse. Thankfully the Dad kept his cool, apologized and the guard drove off.

Classic example of right motive, wrong response.

Point is, we all can get caught up with right motives but wrong responses or actions. The Apostle Paul made it a point to compare the body of Christ to the human body. While each part is different and performs an individual function, each part needs the others for the body to work.

As racers and those who are believers in Jesus, we are maturing, growing and changing. What we need to keep in mind is that we are one. We need to practice unity.

In 1 Peter 3:8, Paul wrote, “Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Note that the word “mind” is used first with unity and then with humble. It is hard to unify if everyone thinks they are “right”. I have seen it at our races. Two riders, both exhausted, come in to the checkered. One feels he was cut off by the other and the shouting begins. All the while, kids are watching… and learning.

Paul also wrote in Colossians 3:14, “And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” And there is the key…love. The love Jesus demonstrated, even for those who crucified Him. We will always have differing views whether it’s at a race or in our daily lives. It is the love of Jesus that “binds us together in perfect harmony”.

God promises that if we keep a cool head and attempt to agree with one another, He will do his part as well.

2 Corinthians 13:11 Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.

It doesn’t get any better than that!

Blessings on and off the road,

Jim and Betty Edleston CMA