Setting the Pace
- The Narrow Path
- Aug 1
- 3 min read
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith (2 Timothy 4:7, NIV).
As a former collegiate basketball point guard, I recognize that maintaining pace during the game is critical to success. We’d study a team before the game, and set the pace accordingly.
Would we try to push the ball up and down the floor as much as possible and wear them down?
Would the goal be to walk the ball up the floor each possession to keep their offense at bay?
Would there be full court pressure on defense in order to speed up the other team?
Would we be playing some zone defense to slow down their half court offense?
Our ability to do this often impacted the outcome of the game. It was important for us to set a pace that would allow our team to finish well, and ultimately, win the game.
While this applies to the game of basketball, and often competition in general, I think it’s appropriate for our walk with Christ, too.
Are we setting an appropriate pace?
I’ve had an amazing summer. Days at the pool, time with family, weekend trips to visit friends, faithfulness to writing, and much more. Yet, I had a conversation recently that challenged me.
Summer is my favorite season, but if I’m not careful, I can push the pace a little too much. Though I want to fill my life with all the good things God has for me, and I’m grateful He has allowed me to experience so much of that this summer, it’s important that I’m doing what is necessary to care for myself, too. Physically, spiritually, mentally, and emotionally.
Does that sound like you?
As I processed this concept recently, my mind was drawn to 2 Timothy 4. If you read the chapter in its entirety, you’ll find that Timothy, a disciple of Paul, was writing specifically about the charge and challenges of preaching God’s Word.
Setting an appropriate pace is super important in order to do what Timothy references in 2 Timothy 4:7:
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
As followers of Jesus, we are called to run the race, be disciples who make disciples, and to share the Good News of the Gospel everywhere we go. This often doesn’t happen with words, but rather through the fruit of the lives we lead. And many times, that comes down to pace.
What happens when we push too hard?
What happens when we don’t take our Kingdom responsibility seriously?What happens when we don’t think our role matters?
May we consider the pace we’ve been keeping. I think it’s important for us to ponder these questions today.
Are we saying no when we need to so that we can give God our best yes?
Are we finding space to fill our own cup, and rest in God’s presence?
Are we fighting the good fight?Are we going to be able to finish the race?Have we kept the faith?
When we allow God to set our pace, we can follow in Timothy's footsteps and do what God has called each of us to do–keep fighting the good fight, finish the race, and keep the faith.
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