“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.  Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12: -13

(Rev. Williams’ text for her sermon on the occasion of the 2nd Anniversary of Lilly of the Valley AME.)

As I sat in the Fellowship Hall on Sunday night, my soul and mind being moved by the grace and power filled words of Pastor Denita, the congregation responding with “amen” and “hallelujah” and claps of approval, I wondered about the connection and disconnection between “running our own race” as a church, and, “running our own race” as individual followers of Jesus Christ.  

Whether we are consciously aware of it or not, we at Christus Victor are caught in the comparison game with the other Lutheran churches surrounding us.  Easter in Eagan, Shepherd of the Valley in Apple Valley, Prince of Peace in Burnsville, and Hosanna in Lakeville, not to mention Grace and Community of Hope as well, and settled in the middle of our massive siblings is little old Christus Victor.  Funny thing is, when compared with all of the churches across the ELCA, little old CV isn’t so small after all.  We’re in the top 97% in terms of worship attendance and membership!!!  We are not small!  

Yet when we take our eyes off of following Jesus, running our own race of faith set for us by God, we get “thrown off” the course.  Instead of focusing on the people and the ministry at hand, whether that be teaching Faith Trek, singing in a choir, serving on a committee, doing our part for Joyful Servants on Sunday mornings, or whatever the situation may be, we c0mpare ourselves to the other churches and worry about what we are not doing or can’t do that they are doing.

Take the garage sale as an example.  Literally hundreds of people donated items and helped make the CV garage sale a great success!  Over $16,300 was raised!!!  Yippee, Hallelujah, and Praise the Lord!!!  Right?

Well… A number of CV people and neighbors of CV just had to get into the comparison game.  “Pastor, did you hear that Prince of Peace raised over $160,000 with their garage sale?”  Yeah, of course I knew.  And they had better make 10 times what CV made, because they are over 10 times larger than we are.  If they didn’t they’re doing something wrong.

The point is we need to run our own race.  What is God doing here at CV, do we have any reason to give thanks and praise to the Lord?  Are our struggles God’s Call for us to change and grow instead of giving up and giving in?  Where is the Spirit of God blowing us, and are we opening our souls and our sails to go where God wants us to go, what God wants us to do, and who God wants us to become? 

Since Jesus Christ is the author and perfector of our faith, wouldn’t it be a good idea then, to keep our eyes, ears, minds, and hearts focused on Jesus instead of comparing ourselves and worrying about everybody else?   Do other churches have things to teach us?  Absolutely!  Do we have a lot yet to learn, more to grow, and not only be open to change, but seek to be changed by God and with God’s help?  Yep!

The issue for the church and for each of us as individuals is to identify both what is hindering and entangling us/you from keeping fixed on Jesus, then ask for help in dealing with that (yes, folks, that means prayer and the support of other Christians!).  And then, do those things we know we need to do to help us stay fixed on Jesus, and continue to run our race of faith.

You know what I’m talking about: worship (coming with a worshipful attitude), daily prayer, daily devotions, lifelong education/learning, serving others, giving financially and growing in giving,  inviting people to church/telling others about your faith (especially your family!), getting to know new people and welcoming them, use your gifts to help others.  If any of this is new or strange to you, please let me know, I’d love to talk with you more, because I want to help you run your race of faith in Jesus Christ.