Running the Race—Part 14: Promotion

Unless you have planned a race, you probably think very little about race promotion, but this is a very important job. Somewhere along the line, someone has prepared posters and mailers to get the word out. Perhaps they have contacted local running clubs to solicit their involvement. If it were not for their efforts, there would be very few runners competing. That wouldn’t be much of a race, would it?

But, over time, word gets out. Runners see the promotional material and call their friends, inviting them to participate in the race, or perhaps run with them. Eventually, there is a sizable group, with people from various backgrounds, and with various abilities. Some may be hard-core runners, constantly looking for another race, working toward that elusive win, or just for the challenge. Others will consider it a big accomplishment just to finish the race. Yet, all assemble for the race and head out when the starting gun goes off.

Hmmm … people with various backgrounds and abilities. Sounds kind of like the church, doesn’t it? God calls people from various backgrounds and abilities to be his followers. This was the case with the disciples and it’s also the case with the people in your church. There is, however, one common tie between most of the people in the church: at some point in time, someone led them to Christ … someone spread the Word … someone shared the Good News. Who shared the Gospel with you?

While a race may have one “promoter” we are all called to be promoters of the faith. The last words of Christ before ascending into heaven (as recorded by Luke in the book of Acts) are, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." (Acts 1:8) We could also look at the Great Commission of Matthew 28:19-20 and remember Jesus’ command to go and make disciples.

If you look at the Christian life as the race of life, you could consider us all to be race promoters. Jesus gave us all the task of spreading the Word. While Christ said He would build His church (Mt. 16:18), he does it through His children. Are you doing the job Christ gave you? If not, start today. Just share the difference Christ has made in your life. Before long, you may have the opportunity to lead someone to Christ!

In His grip,
Pastor Decker